Painted turtle
Chrysemys picta
This is the most abundant turtle species in North America. Its diurnal behaviours make it easy to observe. Sometimes, several painted turtles can be seen basking in the sun on a rock or a log.
Reproduction
From 3 to 5 years old for the male and from 6 to 10 years old for the female, mating and egg laying takes place between April and June. Generally between 2 and 11, the eggs hatch between August and October. Depending on the location, the young can remain in the nest until the following spring. The sex of the babies is determined by the incubation temperature.
Alimentation
Omnivorous, feeding on aquatic insects, molluscs, tadpoles, small fish, frogs and various aquatic plants.
Prédateurs
Raccoon, skunk and red fox feed especially on eggs and occasionally on adults. Young tortoises are sometimes the prey of crow, birds of prey and other predators. In water, bullfrog, heron, snapping turtle and certain carnivore fish are a threat to the young.
Longévité
In the wild, maximum lifespan is 40 years.
La petite ferme
