Turtles Observation Network – Species

Wood Turtle

Latin Name: Glyptemys insculpta | French Name: Tortue des bois

Status:

• Canada : threatened
• Québec : vulnerable

Identification sheet

Physical description

• Neck and orange legs
• Scales of the carapace raised with grooves
• Plastron yellowish with black spots along each scale

Northern Map Turtle

Latin Name: Graptemys geographica | French Name: Tortue géographique

Status:

• Canada : special concern
• Québec : special concern

Identification sheet

Physical description

• Large yellowish beak
• Yellow lines on the head, neck and legs
• Greyish matt shield with a distinct ridge
• Yellowish plastron
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Painted Turtle

Latin Name: Chrysemys picta | French Name: Tortue peinte

Status:

• Canada : no
• Québec : no

The painted turtle is the most common and least ferocious.

Identification sheet

Physical description

• Small size
• Red lines on legs and neck
• Yellow lines on the head
• Smooth and shiny shield
• Marginal shield with red scales
• Yellowish plastron

Behavior

• Not particularly shy

Common Snapping Turtle

Latin Name: Chelydra serpentina serpentina | French Name: Tortue serpentine

Status:

• Canada : special concern
• Québec : no

The largest freshwater turtle in Quebec.

Identification sheet

Physical description

• Big size
• Long tail with spines
• Carapace often covered with algae
• Very long neck
• Long claws
•  

Red-eared Slider Turtle

Latin Name: Thrachemys scripta elegans | French Name: Tortue à oreilles rouges

Status:

• exotic species

Identification sheet

Physical description

• Yellow lines on head and neck
• Red spots on head
• Patterned shield
• Yellowish plastron with black pattern