Spotted Turtle

Clemmys guttata — Emydidae

3.25–4.5 inches

IUCN

Endangered

Federal (US)

None

Virginia

Special concern

VWAP Tier

Tier IIIa

Habitat

semi-aquaticwetland

Found in Virginia

Coastal plain Piedmont

How to identify

Smooth black carapace with scattered yellow dots
Yellow spots on head and neck
Small size, 3–4.5 inches
Orange or yellow plastron with black blotches
Males have tan chin and brown eyes; females have yellow chin and orange eyes

About this species

A small, striking turtle with bright yellow spots scattered across a smooth black shell, the spotted turtle inhabits shallow wetlands, bogs, and marshy areas. They are among Virginia's most imperiled freshwater turtles, threatened by habitat loss and collection for the pet trade. Virginia law prohibits collecting or possessing spotted turtles.

Often confused with

Eastern Painted Turtle

Painted turtles are larger with a striped rather than spotted pattern and lack yellow spots on the shell

Did you know

"Spotted turtles are one of the few Virginia turtles that are active in early spring — they can sometimes be seen basking on mild days in February when other species are still dormant."

SERC rehabilitation notes Protected species — Virginia law prohibits collection or possession. If presented as an intake, contact DWR immediately.

Sightings & citizen science

Help document Virginia wildlife by logging your sightings on iNaturalist. Every observation builds the conservation data that researchers and rehabbers depend on.

View Spotted Turtle observations on iNaturalist ↗

Found one injured?

If you've found an injured or displaced Spotted Turtle in Virginia, our triage guide walks you through what to do.

Triage guide →