Animal Profile
Western Pond Turtle
Actinemys marmorata
About Western Pond Turtle
Hatchlings are only about 1 inch long and the adults grow to 4- 9 inches in length. They are usually a drab brown, olive, or blackish color with a low-domed carapace (top of the shell). Shells may have radiating patterns of lines or spots and the legs may have speckling as well. Female turtles often have dark markings on their throats while the males often have no markings on their light colored throats.
Habitat
They are found in ponds, streams, rivers, lakes, and even irrigation ditches. They prefer abundant vegetation and either a rocky or muddy bottom. Pond turtles will also require an area that has logs or banks for basking.
Fun Fact
These turtles can live up to 50 years! However, the species is in decline all along the west coast due to habitat destruction, disease, and the introduction of predators such as the American bullfrog.