Painted turtle
Water turtles are reptiles that spend the majority of their time in ponds, streams, lakes, rivers, or wetlands. Many of the most common types in the United States have easily identifiable features.
Painted Turtles
The painted turtle gets its name from the varied markings on the bottom of its shell that seem as if someone painted them on. The females of this water turtle species are typically twice as big as the males.
Red-Eared Slider
The red-eared slider has a telltale red patch on the sides of its head that make it an easy type to recognize. The webbed feet possess sharp claws.
Spotted Turtle
The spotted turtle's black shell is quite a contrast to the yellow spots on it that give this water species its name. The legs of adults, especially the males, have an orange shade to them.
Spiny Soft-Shell Turtle
The spiny soft-shell turtle has a flattened appearance and a tan to brown shell and body. The nose resembles a tube and this turtle's shell is much softer than a typical hard-shelled turtle.
Snapping Turtle
The snapping turtle is among the largest of the American water turtles, with some weighing in at over 30 lbs. It has a distinct beaked mouth that it can use to grab its prey and tear it apart. A snapping turtle will defend itself when cornered, by "snapping" at an antagonist with its mouth.
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