my turtle

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nice and funny face!
 
good shot...
 
I love watching the turtles at my parent's property on the lake. Very nice paint!
 
Tylervsmith;1264678; said:
What exactly are the differences in the subspecies?




And that is an awesome pic :headbang2

Here are some good field marks to go by for determining what subspecies of Chrysemys picta you have/found. Remember, they're all the same species so when subspecies ranges over-lap, you can get mixed characteristics.

Chrysemys picta picta (Eastern):Scutes on back are often in straight rows across the back. Edges of the large scutes form light bands across the carapace, often light yellow in color. Plastron yellow, no pattern or spots.

Chrysemys picta marginata (Midland): Look very similar to the Eastern but the scutes are often alternating instead of running straight across. There is also a dark blotch on the plastron that varies in size and shape from individual to individual.

Chrysemys picta dorsalis(Southern):Broad red to orange stripe running down center of carapace. Plastron yellow, sometimes with one or two dark spots.

Chrysemys picta bellii (Western): Largest of the subspecies with a very intense, intricate netlike pattern on it's shell. Bars on marginals. Plastron decorated with branchlike pattern.
 
evilxyardxgnome;1266437; said:
Which live in Minnesota? All the painted turtles and Sliders look a like to me heh

You guys should have Western Painted Turtles. Lucky!

In my state we have Midland and Eastern. I've kept both subspecies.
 
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