BLANDINGS TURTLE
Emys blandingsii
STATE ENDANGERED
These are medium-sized turtles with a somewhat domed-shaped shell. The carapace (top) may be dark brown or black and covered in numerous spots or bars. Plastron (bottom) is yellowish with dark blotches on the outer edge of each scute. The front third of the plastron is hinged, similar to box turtles. The head and legs are yellow, or yellowish-green, The chin is bright yellow and they appear to be always grinning.
Length: 5-8 inches.
There are a few isolated populations in NE Missouri, and one location in Northwest Missouri.
They are found in shallow water along the edge of marshes and wetlands. May also be found in drainage ditches or ponds. These semi-aquatic turtles are often encountered crossing the road.
They are critically endangered or threatened in nearly all their range, which extends to the Great Lakes regions and eastward. Reason for decline are habitat defragmentation, draining of wetlands for agriculture and urban development, nest predation, and the long generation time, which may take up to 47 years.
These are medium-sized turtles with a somewhat domed-shaped shell. The carapace (top) may be dark brown or black and covered in numerous spots or bars. Plastron (bottom) is yellowish with dark blotches on the outer edge of each scute. The front third of the plastron is hinged, similar to box turtles. The head and legs are yellow, or yellowish-green, The chin is bright yellow and they appear to be always grinning.
Length: 5-8 inches.
There are a few isolated populations in NE Missouri, and one location in Northwest Missouri.
They are found in shallow water along the edge of marshes and wetlands. May also be found in drainage ditches or ponds. These semi-aquatic turtles are often encountered crossing the road.
They are critically endangered or threatened in nearly all their range, which extends to the Great Lakes regions and eastward. Reason for decline are habitat defragmentation, draining of wetlands for agriculture and urban development, nest predation, and the long generation time, which may take up to 47 years.
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