Ontario has 9 native species of turtles: the Common Snapping Turtle (Chelydra serpentina), Eastern Spiny Softshell Turtle (Apalone spinifera), Northern Map Turtle (Graptemys geographica), Yellow-throated or Blanding’s Turtle (Emydoidea blandingii), Wood Turtle (Glyptemys insculpta), Painted Turtle (Chrysemys picta), Spotted Turtle (Clemmys guttata), Eastern Box Turtle (Terrapene carolina), and Eastern Musk Turtle (Sternotherus odoratus) – ordered from largest to smallest. Of these species, the Spotted Turtle is considered rarest and most endangered species of turtle in Long Point. It is designated as endangered on COSSARO.
Description
Spotted Turtles are small freshwater turtles. The carapace (upper shell) measures 8 cm to 13 cm on mature adults. It is black or dark blue in colour, with a substantial number of tiny, yellow spots. Unlike Snapping Turtles, the carapace is unkeeled and has smoothened edges. The plastron (lower shell) is yellow or orange with black splotches, which increase as a Spotted Turtle ages. It is sexually dimorphic – females have a flat plastron, and males have a concave plastron, which eases the mating process. Males also have redder heads and longer tails than females.
Spotted Turtles are among the earliest species of turtles to emerge from winter hibernation – often in March or April around Lake Erie. This also corresponds with mating season. Activity peaks in April and May when water temperatures are cooler. After mating, females will seek nesting locations in late May – early July. Ideal habitat is well-drained, sunny locations within open habitats – such as wetlands, meadows, or dunes. Spotted Turtles are nocturnal layers, with a clutch size of 1-5 eggs, once per year. This slow reproductive rate contributes to the species endangerment – especially when mortality is high (common causes include increased predator populations, vehicle collisions, etc.). Spotted Turtles, unlike other species, enter a period of lethargy during the hottest part of the summer – from July to September when water temperatures at their maximum. This summer dormancy is termed aestivation. During the warm season, the eggs previously layed in June are incubating, often for 70-100 days. Hatchings emerge between late August to October. When temperatures begin cooling in the autumn, Spotted Turtles seek hibernation sites, which are typically well-oxygenated, aquatic sites located at the bottom of waterbodies (especially within wetlands, such as herbaceous marshes), or watercourses. These hibernacula typically have “muddy” substrates that the turtles can easily burrow under for hibernation. Spotted Turtles often hibernate communally, in groups between 5-35 individuals.
Like other turtle species, Spotted Turtles exhibit temperature-dependant sex selection. Eggs incubated at 22-27°C will generally produce males. Eggs incubated at >30°C will usually produce females. Some ecologists fear that climate change will endanger turtles by skewing the sex ratio, making successful breeding less prevalent. Spotted Turtle hatchlings emerge in late summer –between August and October. If the hatchlings emerge later in the autumn, they will utilize the nesting cavity to overwinter.
Spotted Turtles are omnivores – typically consuming both plant and animal material. Vegetation consumed includes aquatic plants, algae, and fruits of wetland plants, such as cranberry (Vaccinum macrocarpon). Spotted Turtles also consume snails, worms, aquatic insects, tapdoles, small frogs, crayfish, crustaceans, and carrion – comprising the carnivorous portion of their diet. Many animals prey on Spotted Turtle (especially the eggs and hatchlings), including Racoons (Procyon lotor), Skunks (Mephitis mephitis), Red Fox (Vulpes vulpes), Coyote (Canis latrans), weasels and minks (Mustelidae), snakes (Serpentes), crows (Corvus brachyrhynchos), Great Egrets (Ardea alba), Great Blue Herons (Ardea herodias), and many others.
If you would like to learn more about turtles, and other herpetofauna – I would recommend reading Ontario Nature’s Reptile and Amphibian Atlas (https://catalog.ontarionature.org/ontario-reptile-and-amphibian-atlas/page/1). Recently published in 2024, this ~300-page guide offers a plethora of comprehensive and informative content on herpetology, including detailed descriptions of the physical form and ecology of each species. Distribution maps are also provided for most species.
Fun facts
- While communal when hibernating, Spotted Turtles are typically solitary when foraging during the active season (March – September)
- The pattern of yellow spots on the carapace is unique to each individual Spotted Turtle – analogous to a human fingerprint!
- Spotted Turtles often consume mosquito larvae – highlighting the ability of turtles to help control pest populations
- Spotted Turtles prefer clear water with murky bottoms and dense vegetation. They are often observed foraging at the bottom of aquatic wetlands looking for prey.
- The yellow spots on the carapace of Spotted Turtles likely plays a camouflage role in direct sunlight – distorting the outline of the turtle, which helps them blend into the surrounding environment.
Written by Matthew Palarchio
Photos (L-R): Reuven Martin, Stock Photo retrieved from Canva
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