t3072 ~ Wood Turtle ~ Glyptemys insculpta

Photographed (2010) in Manistee County, Michigan.

The Wood Turtle is a medium sized turtle; adult carapace ranges from 6 to 10 inches (15 to 25 cm) long. The broad, low carapace usually has a central keel, and raised, often pyramidal ridges of defined concentric growth rings on each scute or scale. The carapace is brown or grayish brown, often with radiating yellow and black lines on the ridges. The plastron (underside of shell) lacks a hinge, and is yellow with dark, oblong blotches along the outer edge. The highly sculpted carapace and unhinged, patterned plastron distinguish this species from other turtles in Michigan. Some of this information is from the Michigan Natural Features Inventory website.

Michigan T/E List Status: Special Concern (SC)

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