Glyptemys

Glyptemys Temporal range: 0–0 Ma PreЄ Є O S D C P T J K Pg N ↓ Neogene(Pleistocene) - Recent
Glyptemys muhlenbergii
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Reptilia
Order:	Testudines
Family:	Emydidae
Subfamily:	Emydinae
Genus:	Glyptemys Agassiz, 1857
Species
Glyptemys muhlenbergii Endangered (IUCN 2.3) Glyptemys insculpta Vulnerable (IUCN 2.3)

Glyptemys is a genus of turtles in the family Emydidae. It comprises two species, the bog turtle and wood turtle, both of which are endemic to North America. Until 2001, these turtles were considered members of the genus Clemmys, which currently has one member, the spotted turtle.

Full grown, these turtles grow to between 8.9 and 20 cm (3.5 and 7.9 in). These turtles are semiaquatic, although this varies based on season. Their morphological characteristics make them unique from other species and unique from each other.

Glyptemys turtles prefer slow moving streams and ponds, and feed on insects, plant matter, small invertebrates, and carrion. These turtles are protected throughout their range.

Taxonomy

Portion of Emydidae family

Clemmys Clemmys guttata Glyptemys Glyptemys muhlenbergii Glyptemys insculpta Terrapene Terrapene carolina Terrapene coahuila Terrapene ornata Emys Emys orbicularis Emys marmorata Emys blandingii

In the past, the taxonomic classification of these turtles looked very different however, the current system has Clemmys as a monotypic genus and Glyptemys, Terrepene, and Emys as three distinct genera (the species Emys trinacris is not shown).

The taxonomic classification of Emydidae turtles has been eventful and many schools of thought are given about how the different genera and species should be arranged.

Before 2001, the bog and wood turtles were members of the Clemmys genus, but they were moved to a newly created genus, Glyptemys, after further morphological and genetic analyses revealed they were much closer relatives to each other than to the spotted turtle. The bog turtle and wood turtle have similar genetic makeups that are marginally different from that of the spotted turtle, the only current member of the Clemmys genus. The western pond turtle was also a former member of Clemmys, but it was recently moved to the genus Actinemys, of which it is now the only member. Both Glyptemys turtles have karyotypes of 50 chromosomes.

The several common names for the bog include mud turtle, marsh turtle, yellowhead, and snapper while the wood may be referred to as the sculptured tortoise, red-legged tortoise, or redleg.

Description

Although the Glyptemys turtles may not be the same size, they share certain morphological and genetic attributes.

Glyptemys turtles are small to medium in size: the bog turtle males grow to be 9.4 cm (3.7 in) and females 8.9 cm (3.5 in) while wood turtles of either gender reach 14 to 20 cm (5.5 to 7.9 in) in length. Bog turtles weigh 110 g (3.9 oz) and wood turtles average 1 kg (2.2 lb) at maturity. The bog can be recognized by small, bright blotches on each side of its neck and the wood by its dark gray to black head and bright orange coloration on its ventral surfaces.

Distribution and habitat

The wood turtle's distribution (left) extends farther north than the bog turtle's (right)

Glyptemys turtles are endemic to eastern North America. Their collective range extends from Nova Scotia south to Georgia and from Nova Scotia west to Minnesota. These turtles are semiaquatic and are commonly found in bogs, fens, and small streams which have soft yet compacted, sandy bottoms.

Evolutionary history

During the last post-Pleistocene ice age, Glyptemys turtles were forced south by encroaching glaciers from the north. After glaciation, some turtle colonies relocated to their original northern range, while others continued to live in the new, southern range. Some fossil remains from the Rancholabrean period (300,000 to 11,000 years BP) have been found in Georgia and Tennessee, areas farther south than the turtles' current range.

Ecology and behavior

These turtles are diurnal and become active in the early morning. During extremely cold days, they each may spend time under water, while the bog has been known to also seek dense underbrush or mud in which to bury itself. Excessively hot days sometimes causes these turtles to estivate.

Conservation

Both species are protected throughout their ranges. The bog turtle is considered endangered, while the wood turtle is labeled as vulnerable, a less dire rating.

References

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