Blanding's Turtle - Revision history

Juliogod at 03:41, 14 May 2025

2025-05-14T03:41:11Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 23:41, 13 May 2025
Line 11:		Line 11:
	\|-		\|-
	!style="min-width:6em; \|Phylum:		!style="min-width:6em; \|Phylum:
	\|style="min-width:6em; \|Chordata		\|style="min-width:6em; \|[[Chordata]]
	\|-		\|-
	!style="min-width:6em; \|Class:		!style="min-width:6em; \|Class:
	\|style="min-width:6em; \|Reptilia		\|style="min-width:6em; \|[[Reptilia]]
	\|-		\|-
	!style="min-width:6em; \|Order:		!style="min-width:6em; \|Order:
Line 33:		Line 33:
	==Description==		==Description==

	The Blanding's Turtle is a medium-sized turtle species with an average shell length of approximately 7-10 inches and can grow to a weight of 4 lbs. The species has a distinctive yellow coloration on its throat and chin. The head and legs of the turtle also have a pale-yellow mottled appearance with its dark green skin. The turtle's beak has a characteristic curve upwards at the corners of the mouth, creating the appearance of a smiling face. The carapace, 'upper shell', is dome-shaped, with a flattened portion along the midline of the spine. The coloration of the shell is black with a speckled pattern of yellow colored flecks and streaks that varies among individuals of the species. The plastron, 'belly plate' of the turtle, is dominantly yellow with dark blotches arranged in symmetrical patterns. The shape of the plastron is used to identify the sex of the turtles. Males are characterized by a concave plastron, while females have a flattened plastron. Like the Eastern Box Turtle, the plastron on the Blanding's Turtle has a hinged segment at the front, allowing the turtle to close off its front limbs and head from predators.		The Blanding's Turtle is a medium-sized turtle species with an average shell length of approximately 7-10 inches and can grow to a weight of 4 lbs. The species has a distinctive yellow coloration on its throat and chin. The head and legs of the turtle also have a pale-yellow mottled appearance with its dark green skin. The turtle's beak has a characteristic curve upwards at the corners of the mouth, creating the appearance of a smiling face. The carapace, 'upper shell', is dome-shaped, with a flattened portion along the midline of the spine.<ref name="Blanding's Turtle">[https://dec.ny.gov/nature/animals-fish-plants/blandings-turtle/ "Blanding’s Turtle NYSDEC"], ''Blanding's Turtle'' NYSDEC Open-File Report 2006-1195: Nomenclature", ''NYSDEC'', n.d.. Retrieved 5/10/2025.</ref> The coloration of the shell is black with a speckled pattern of yellow colored flecks and streaks that varies among individuals of the species. The plastron, 'belly plate' of the turtle, is dominantly yellow with dark blotches arranged in symmetrical patterns. The shape of the plastron is used to identify the sex of the turtles. Males are characterized by a concave plastron, while females have a flattened plastron. Like the Eastern Box Turtle, the plastron on the Blanding's Turtle has a hinged segment at the front, allowing the turtle to close off its front limbs and head from predators.

	==Habitat and Range==		==Habitat and Range==
Line 43:		Line 43:
	[[File:BlandingsRange.jpg\| 600px \| border \| Native Range \|]]		[[File:BlandingsRange.jpg\| 600px \| border \| Native Range \|]]

	The species range encompasses the southern parts of the Great Lakes and extends from Minnesota to parts of southern Ontario and Northern New York. Few isolated populations have been identified in Dutchess County, Saratoga County, and the Thousand Islands Region along the St. Lawrence River within New York State. Other isolated populations have been identified in New England and Nova Scotia.		The species range encompasses the southern parts of the Great Lakes and extends from Minnesota to parts of southern Ontario and Northern New York. Few isolated populations have been identified in Dutchess County, Saratoga County, and the Thousand Islands Region along the St. Lawrence River within New York State. Other isolated populations have been identified in New England and Nova Scotia.[https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0295067]

	==Growth and Development==		==Growth and Development==
Line 58:		Line 58:
	[[File:BlandingsTurtleFace.jpg\| 500px \| border \|]]		[[File:BlandingsTurtleFace.jpg\| 500px \| border \|]]

	As labeled by the State of New York Department of Environmental Conservation, the current conservation status of the Blanding's turtle is threatened. Problems facing the species include the destruction of habitat and nesting grounds from urbanization. Other issues include habitat fragmentation and vehicle strikes as a result of road crossings.		As labeled by the State of New York Department of Environmental Conservation, the current conservation status of the Blanding's turtle is threatened. Problems facing the species include the destruction of habitat and nesting grounds from urbanization. Other issues include habitat fragmentation and vehicle strikes as a result of road crossings. The main threat to Blanding's turtle arises from vehicle strikes and habitat fragmentation. During nesting season, a female turtle will travel long distances, often more than a mile, in search of suitable vernal pool habitats. Because of their movement patterns, they require larger areas that often occur over urbanized landscapes. Road crossings are the biggest issue; their natural defense mechanism makes them highly vulnerable to vehicle strikes. In addition to its slow maturity rate and low reproductive potential, the loss of a breeding female becomes detrimental to the species. Throughout the Northeast, populations appear to be declining.

	The main threat to Blanding's turtle arises from vehicle strikes and habitat fragmentation. During nesting season, a female turtle will travel long distances, often more than a mile, in search of suitable vernal pool habitats. Because of their movement patterns, they require larger areas that often occur over urbanized landscapes. Road crossings are the biggest issue; their natural defense mechanism makes them highly vulnerable to vehicle strikes. In addition to its slow maturity rate and low reproductive potential, the loss of a breeding female becomes detrimental to the species. Throughout the Northeast, populations appear to be declining.

	==References==		==References==

Juliogod at 03:34, 14 May 2025

2025-05-14T03:34:41Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 23:34, 13 May 2025
Line 28:		Line 28:
	\|style="min-width:6em; \|''Emydoidea blandingii''		\|style="min-width:6em; \|''Emydoidea blandingii''
	\|-		\|-
	\|colspan="2" \|Source: Blanding’s Turtle NYSDEC <ref name="Blanding's Turtle">[https://dec.ny.gov/nature/animals-fish-plants/blandings-turtle/ "Blanding’s Turtle NYSDEC"], ''Blanding's Turtle'' NYSDEC Open-File Report 2006-1195: Nomenclature", ''NYSDEC'', n.d.. Retrieved 3/10/~~2023~~.</ref>		\|colspan="2" \|Source: Blanding’s Turtle NYSDEC <ref name="Blanding's Turtle">[https://dec.ny.gov/nature/animals-fish-plants/blandings-turtle/ "Blanding’s Turtle NYSDEC"], ''Blanding's Turtle'' NYSDEC Open-File Report 2006-1195: Nomenclature", ''NYSDEC'', n.d.. Retrieved 5/10/2025.</ref>
	\|}		\|}

Line 38:		Line 38:

	===Habitat===		===Habitat===
	The Blanding's turtle is a semi-aquatic species and inhabits water bodies with emergent, wet meadow vegetation. They prefer shrubby [[wetlands]] dominated by woody vegetation such as buttonbush and [[willow]]. Although it is not uncommon for the species to inhabit areas with [[vernal pools]]. Other viable habitats include ponds, marshes, swamps, bogs, wet prairies, river sloughs, shallow embayments, and slow-moving rivers. Over winter, the turtle burrows in the soft sediment of the water body and covers themselves with mud and [[silt]] to reduce heat loss. During nesting seasons, the female turtle lays her eggs in open canopy dry upland areas with well-drained soils.		The Blanding's turtle is a semi-aquatic species and inhabits water bodies with emergent, wet meadow vegetation. They prefer shrubby [[wetlands]] dominated by woody vegetation such as buttonbush and [[willow]]. Although it is not uncommon for the species to inhabit areas with [[vernal pools]].<ref name="Blanding's Turtle">[https://dec.ny.gov/nature/animals-fish-plants/blandings-turtle/ "Blanding’s Turtle NYSDEC"], ''Blanding's Turtle'' NYSDEC Open-File Report 2006-1195: Nomenclature", ''NYSDEC'', n.d.. Retrieved 5/10/2025.</ref> Other viable habitats include ponds, marshes, swamps, bogs, wet prairies, river sloughs, shallow embayments, and slow-moving rivers. Over winter, the turtle burrows in the soft sediment of the water body and covers themselves with mud and [[silt]] to reduce heat loss. During nesting seasons, the female turtle lays her eggs in open canopy dry upland areas with well-drained soils.<ref name="Emydoidea blandingii">[https://www.fws.gov/species/blandings-turtle-emydoidea-blandingii./ "Emydoidea blandingii U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service"], Open-File Report 2006-1195: Nomenclature", ''U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service'', n.d.. Retrieved 5/10/2025.</ref>

	===Range===		===Range===
Line 68:		Line 68:
	3. Adderley-Heron, Kelton, and Patricia Chow-Fraser. “Unsupervised Classification of Blanding’s Turtle (Emydoidea Blandingii) Behavioural States from Multi-Sensor Biologger Data.” PloS One, vol. 19, no. 11, 2024, pp. e0314291-, https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0314291.		3. Adderley-Heron, Kelton, and Patricia Chow-Fraser. “Unsupervised Classification of Blanding’s Turtle (Emydoidea Blandingii) Behavioural States from Multi-Sensor Biologger Data.” PloS One, vol. 19, no. 11, 2024, pp. e0314291-, https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0314291.
	4. Meng, Reta Lingrui, and Patricia Chow-Fraser. “Don’t Worry, Be Happy: Habitat Selection of Blanding’s Turtles (Emydoidea Blandingii) Living in a Reference Condition in Georgian Bay.” PloS One, vol. 18, no. 12, 2023, pp. e0295067–e0295067, https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0295067		4. Meng, Reta Lingrui, and Patricia Chow-Fraser. “Don’t Worry, Be Happy: Habitat Selection of Blanding’s Turtles (Emydoidea Blandingii) Living in a Reference Condition in Georgian Bay.” PloS One, vol. 18, no. 12, 2023, pp. e0295067–e0295067, https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0295067
	5. Blanding’s Turtle (Emydoidea blandingii) \| U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. December 18, 2024. https://www.fws.gov/species/blandings-turtle-emydoidea-blandingii.		5. Blanding’s Turtle (Emydoidea blandingii) U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. December 18, 2024. https://www.fws.gov/species/blandings-turtle-emydoidea-blandingii.

Juliogod: /* Habitat */

2025-05-14T03:15:46Z

Habitat

← Older revision		Revision as of 23:15, 13 May 2025
Line 38:		Line 38:

	===Habitat===		===Habitat===
	The Blanding's turtle is a semi-aquatic species and inhabits water bodies with emergent, wet meadow vegetation. They prefer shrubby [[wetlands]] dominated by woody vegetation such as buttonbush and [[willow]]. ~~It's~~ not uncommon for the species to inhabit areas with [[vernal pools]]. Other viable habitats include ponds, marshes, swamps, bogs, wet prairies, river sloughs, shallow embayments, and slow-moving rivers. Over winter, the turtle burrows in the soft sediment of the water body and covers themselves with mud and [[silt]] to reduce heat loss. During nesting seasons, the female turtle lays her eggs in open canopy dry upland areas with well-drained soils.		The Blanding's turtle is a semi-aquatic species and inhabits water bodies with emergent, wet meadow vegetation. They prefer shrubby [[wetlands]] dominated by woody vegetation such as buttonbush and [[willow]]. Although it is not uncommon for the species to inhabit areas with [[vernal pools]]. Other viable habitats include ponds, marshes, swamps, bogs, wet prairies, river sloughs, shallow embayments, and slow-moving rivers. Over winter, the turtle burrows in the soft sediment of the water body and covers themselves with mud and [[silt]] to reduce heat loss. During nesting seasons, the female turtle lays her eggs in open canopy dry upland areas with well-drained soils.

	===Range===		===Range===

Juliogod: /* Habitat */

2025-05-14T03:14:45Z

Habitat

← Older revision		Revision as of 23:14, 13 May 2025
Line 38:		Line 38:

	===Habitat===		===Habitat===
	The Blanding's turtle is a semi-aquatic species and inhabits water bodies with emergent, wet meadow vegetation. They prefer shrubby [[wetlands]] dominated by woody vegetation such as buttonbush and [[willow]]. It's not uncommon for the species to inhabit areas with [[vernal pools]]. Other viable habitats include ponds, marshes, swamps, bogs, wet prairies, river sloughs, shallow embayments, and slow-moving rivers. Over winter, the turtle burrows in the soft sediment of the water body and covers themselves with mud and [[silt]] to reduce heat loss. During nesting seasons, the female turtle lays her eggs in open canopy dry upland areas with well-drained [[soils]].		The Blanding's turtle is a semi-aquatic species and inhabits water bodies with emergent, wet meadow vegetation. They prefer shrubby [[wetlands]] dominated by woody vegetation such as buttonbush and [[willow]]. It's not uncommon for the species to inhabit areas with [[vernal pools]]. Other viable habitats include ponds, marshes, swamps, bogs, wet prairies, river sloughs, shallow embayments, and slow-moving rivers. Over winter, the turtle burrows in the soft sediment of the water body and covers themselves with mud and [[silt]] to reduce heat loss. During nesting seasons, the female turtle lays her eggs in open canopy dry upland areas with well-drained soils.

	===Range===		===Range===

Juliogod: /* Habitat */

2025-05-14T03:14:11Z

Habitat

← Older revision		Revision as of 23:14, 13 May 2025
Line 38:		Line 38:

	===Habitat===		===Habitat===
	The Blanding's turtle is a semi-aquatic species and inhabits water bodies with emergent, wet meadow vegetation ~~and areas with~~ shrubby wetlands. It's not uncommon for the species to inhabit areas with vernal ~~"temporary"~~ pools. Other viable habitats include ponds, marshes, swamps, bogs, wet prairies, river sloughs, shallow embayments, and slow-moving rivers. Over winter, the turtle burrows in the soft sediment of the water body and covers themselves with mud and [[silt]] to reduce heat loss. During nesting seasons, the female turtle lays her eggs in open canopy dry upland areas with well-drained soils.		The Blanding's turtle is a semi-aquatic species and inhabits water bodies with emergent, wet meadow vegetation. They prefer shrubby [[wetlands]] dominated by woody vegetation such as buttonbush and [[willow]]. It's not uncommon for the species to inhabit areas with [[vernal pools]]. Other viable habitats include ponds, marshes, swamps, bogs, wet prairies, river sloughs, shallow embayments, and slow-moving rivers. Over winter, the turtle burrows in the soft sediment of the water body and covers themselves with mud and [[silt]] to reduce heat loss. During nesting seasons, the female turtle lays her eggs in open canopy dry upland areas with well-drained [[soils]].

	===Range===		===Range===

Juliogod at 18:37, 9 May 2025

2025-05-09T18:37:16Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:37, 9 May 2025
Line 41:		Line 41:

	===Range===		===Range===
	[[File:BlandingsRange.jpg\| 600px \| border \| Native ~~and Introduced~~ Range \|]]		[[File:BlandingsRange.jpg\| 600px \| border \| Native Range \|]]

	The species range encompasses the southern parts of the Great Lakes and extends from Minnesota to parts of southern Ontario and Northern New York. Few isolated populations have been identified in Dutchess County, Saratoga County, and the Thousand Islands Region along the St. Lawrence River within New York State. Other isolated populations have been identified in New England and Nova Scotia.		The species range encompasses the southern parts of the Great Lakes and extends from Minnesota to parts of southern Ontario and Northern New York. Few isolated populations have been identified in Dutchess County, Saratoga County, and the Thousand Islands Region along the St. Lawrence River within New York State. Other isolated populations have been identified in New England and Nova Scotia.
Line 56:		Line 56:

	==Threats==		==Threats==
			[[File:BlandingsTurtleFace.jpg\| 500px \| border \|]]

	As labeled by the State of New York Department of Environmental Conservation, the current conservation status of the Blanding's turtle is threatened. Problems facing the species include the destruction of habitat and nesting grounds from urbanization. Other issues include habitat fragmentation and vehicle strikes as a result of road crossings.		As labeled by the State of New York Department of Environmental Conservation, the current conservation status of the Blanding's turtle is threatened. Problems facing the species include the destruction of habitat and nesting grounds from urbanization. Other issues include habitat fragmentation and vehicle strikes as a result of road crossings.

Juliogod at 18:31, 9 May 2025

2025-05-09T18:31:49Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:31, 9 May 2025
Line 5:		Line 5:
	\|+ !colspan="2" style="min-width:12em; text-align: center; background-color: rgb(235,235,210)\|'''Scientific Classification'''		\|+ !colspan="2" style="min-width:12em; text-align: center; background-color: rgb(235,235,210)\|'''Scientific Classification'''
	\|-		\|-
	\| [[File:~~American bullfrog adult male~~.jpg\| ~~300px~~]]		\| [[File:Blandingsturtle.jpg\| 450px]]
	\|-		\|-
	!style="min-width:6em; \|Kingdom:		!style="min-width:6em; \|Kingdom:
Line 28:		Line 28:
	\|style="min-width:6em; \|''Emydoidea blandingii''		\|style="min-width:6em; \|''Emydoidea blandingii''
	\|-		\|-
	\|colspan="2" \|Source: ~~Integrated Taxonomic Information System~~ <ref name="~~ITIS~~">[https://~~www~~.~~itis~~.gov/~~servlet~~/~~SingleRpt~~/~~SingleRpt?search_topic=TSN&search_value=977384#null~~ "~~Integrated Taxonomic Information System - Report~~"], ''~~ITIS~~'' ~~USGS~~ Open-File Report 2006-1195: Nomenclature", ''~~USGS~~'', n.d.. Retrieved 3/10/2023.</ref>		\|colspan="2" \|Source: Blanding’s Turtle NYSDEC <ref name="Blanding's Turtle">[https://dec.ny.gov/nature/animals-fish-plants/blandings-turtle/ "Blanding’s Turtle NYSDEC"], ''Blanding's Turtle'' NYSDEC Open-File Report 2006-1195: Nomenclature", ''NYSDEC'', n.d.. Retrieved 3/10/2023.</ref>
	\|}		\|}

Line 41:		Line 41:

	===Range===		===Range===
			[[File:BlandingsRange.jpg\| 600px \| border \| Native and Introduced Range \|]]

	The species range encompasses the southern parts of the Great Lakes and extends from Minnesota to parts of southern Ontario and Northern New York. Few isolated populations have been identified in Dutchess County, Saratoga County, and the Thousand Islands Region along the St. Lawrence River within New York State. Other isolated populations have been identified in New England and Nova Scotia.		The species range encompasses the southern parts of the Great Lakes and extends from Minnesota to parts of southern Ontario and Northern New York. Few isolated populations have been identified in Dutchess County, Saratoga County, and the Thousand Islands Region along the St. Lawrence River within New York State. Other isolated populations have been identified in New England and Nova Scotia.


	==Growth and Development==		==Growth and Development==
Line 52:		Line 53:

	==Diet==		==Diet==
	The species is characterized as omnivorous and will scavenge in and around their water habitat. The majority of their diet consists of crustaceans, [[invertebrates]], tadpoles, frogs, and aquatic plants. Some individuals have been ~~recoreded~~ feeding off carrion, 'decaying animal matter', and catching live minnows.		The species is characterized as omnivorous and will scavenge in and around their water habitat. The majority of their diet consists of crustaceans, [[invertebrates]], tadpoles, frogs, and aquatic plants. Some individuals have been recorded feeding off carrion, 'decaying animal matter', and catching live minnows.

	==Threats==		==Threats==
Line 66:		Line 67:
	4. Meng, Reta Lingrui, and Patricia Chow-Fraser. “Don’t Worry, Be Happy: Habitat Selection of Blanding’s Turtles (Emydoidea Blandingii) Living in a Reference Condition in Georgian Bay.” PloS One, vol. 18, no. 12, 2023, pp. e0295067–e0295067, https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0295067		4. Meng, Reta Lingrui, and Patricia Chow-Fraser. “Don’t Worry, Be Happy: Habitat Selection of Blanding’s Turtles (Emydoidea Blandingii) Living in a Reference Condition in Georgian Bay.” PloS One, vol. 18, no. 12, 2023, pp. e0295067–e0295067, https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0295067
	5. Blanding’s Turtle (Emydoidea blandingii) \| U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. December 18, 2024. https://www.fws.gov/species/blandings-turtle-emydoidea-blandingii.		5. Blanding’s Turtle (Emydoidea blandingii) \| U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. December 18, 2024. https://www.fws.gov/species/blandings-turtle-emydoidea-blandingii.
	6.

Juliogod: /* References */

2025-05-09T18:01:41Z

References

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:01, 9 May 2025
Line 49:		Line 49:
	The Species is considered shy. When threatened, they will dive into the water and remain on the bottom for hours. If startled outside the water, the turtle will retreat into its shell and close it plastron to protect its forelimbs and head.		The Species is considered shy. When threatened, they will dive into the water and remain on the bottom for hours. If startled outside the water, the turtle will retreat into its shell and close it plastron to protect its forelimbs and head.

	Over winter, the species will inhabit permanent water bodies and deep vernal pools. to prevent freezing and to minimize heat loss, the turtle will borrow into the sediment of the water body and cover itself with mud and slit.		Over winter, the species will inhabit permanent water bodies and deep [[Vernal Pools\|vernal pools]]. to prevent freezing and to minimize heat loss, the turtle will borrow into the sediment of the water body and cover itself with mud and slit.

	==Diet==		==Diet==
Line 60:		Line 60:

	==References==		==References==
			</refernces>
	1. Blanding’s Turtle NYSDEC. Web. Accessed April 21, 2025 https://dec.ny.gov/nature/animals-fish-plants/blandings-turtle/		1. Blanding’s Turtle NYSDEC. Web. Accessed April 21, 2025 https://dec.ny.gov/nature/animals-fish-plants/blandings-turtle/
	2. Johnson, Glenn, et al. Distribution, Population Structure and Habitat Relationships of Blanding’s Turtle Populations in Northern New York. Endangered Species Unit, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, 2009.		2. Johnson, Glenn, et al. Distribution, Population Structure and Habitat Relationships of Blanding’s Turtle Populations in Northern New York. Endangered Species Unit, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, 2009.

Juliogod: Created page with " ''Emydoidea blandingii,'' or commonly known as the Blanding's turtle, is a medium-sized, semi-aquatic turtle that inhabits freshwater wetlands in parts of the upper Midwest, New York, New England, and Southern Canada. The turtle is currently listed as threatened within the state of New York. The species' most notable features include a curved beak that resembles a smiling face and yellow freckled coloration on its carapace. The Blanding's turtle is considered a long-liv..."

2025-05-09T17:15:24Z

Created page with " ''Emydoidea blandingii,'' or commonly known as the Blanding's turtle, is a medium-sized, semi-aquatic turtle that inhabits freshwater wetlands in parts of the upper Midwest, New York, New England, and Southern Canada. The turtle is currently listed as threatened within the state of New York. The species' most notable features include a curved beak that resembles a smiling face and yellow freckled coloration on its carapace. The Blanding's turtle is considered a long-liv..."

New page

''Emydoidea blandingii,'' or commonly known as the Blanding's turtle, is a medium-sized, semi-aquatic turtle that inhabits freshwater wetlands in parts of the upper Midwest, New York, New England, and Southern Canada. The turtle is currently listed as threatened within the state of New York. The species' most notable features include a curved beak that resembles a smiling face and yellow freckled coloration on its carapace. The Blanding's turtle is considered a long-lived species with some individuals living past 83 years. The current threats to the Blanding's turtle include habitat & nesting destruction, due to urban sprawl, and vehicle strikes.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center; float:right; margin-left: 10px;
|+ !colspan="2" style="min-width:12em; text-align: center; background-color: rgb(235,235,210)|'''Scientific Classification'''
|-
| [[File:American bullfrog adult male.jpg| 300px]]
|-
!style="min-width:6em; |Kingdom:
|style="min-width:6em; |[[Animals|Animalia]]
|-
!style="min-width:6em; |Phylum:
|style="min-width:6em; |Chordata
|-
!style="min-width:6em; |Class:
|style="min-width:6em; |Reptilia
|-
!style="min-width:6em; |Order:
|style="min-width:6em; |Testudines
|-
!style="min-width:6em; |Family:
|style="min-width:6em; |Emydidae
|-
!style="min-width:6em; |Genus:
|style="min-width:6em; |''Emydoidea''
|-
!style="min-width:6em; |Species:
|style="min-width:6em; |''Emydoidea blandingii''
|-
|colspan="2" |Source: Integrated Taxonomic Information System <ref name="ITIS">[https://www.itis.gov/servlet/SingleRpt/SingleRpt?search_topic=TSN&search_value=977384#null "Integrated Taxonomic Information System - Report"], ''ITIS'' USGS Open-File Report 2006-1195: Nomenclature", ''USGS'', n.d.. Retrieved 3/10/2023.</ref>
|}

==Description==

The Blanding's Turtle is a medium-sized turtle species with an average shell length of approximately 7-10 inches and can grow to a weight of 4 lbs. The species has a distinctive yellow coloration on its throat and chin. The head and legs of the turtle also have a pale-yellow mottled appearance with its dark green skin. The turtle's beak has a characteristic curve upwards at the corners of the mouth, creating the appearance of a smiling face. The carapace, 'upper shell', is dome-shaped, with a flattened portion along the midline of the spine. The coloration of the shell is black with a speckled pattern of yellow colored flecks and streaks that varies among individuals of the species. The plastron, 'belly plate' of the turtle, is dominantly yellow with dark blotches arranged in symmetrical patterns. The shape of the plastron is used to identify the sex of the turtles. Males are characterized by a concave plastron, while females have a flattened plastron. Like the Eastern Box Turtle, the plastron on the Blanding's Turtle has a hinged segment at the front, allowing the turtle to close off its front limbs and head from predators.

==Habitat and Range==

===Habitat===
The Blanding's turtle is a semi-aquatic species and inhabits water bodies with emergent, wet meadow vegetation and areas with shrubby wetlands. It's not uncommon for the species to inhabit areas with vernal "temporary" pools. Other viable habitats include ponds, marshes, swamps, bogs, wet prairies, river sloughs, shallow embayments, and slow-moving rivers. Over winter, the turtle burrows in the soft sediment of the water body and covers themselves with mud and [[silt]] to reduce heat loss. During nesting seasons, the female turtle lays her eggs in open canopy dry upland areas with well-drained soils.

===Range===
The species range encompasses the southern parts of the Great Lakes and extends from Minnesota to parts of southern Ontario and Northern New York. Few isolated populations have been identified in Dutchess County, Saratoga County, and the Thousand Islands Region along the St. Lawrence River within New York State. Other isolated populations have been identified in New England and Nova Scotia.

==Growth and Development==
Comparable to sea turtles and tortoises, the Blanding's turtle is a long-lived species with a slow maturation rate. Some individuals of the species have been recorded living past 80 years of age. However, the species do not reach sexual maturity until 18 years of age and have low reproductive potential. The mating season occurs in April and parts of early May, with nesting occurring in early June. The female will leave the safety of the water to find a suitable upland habitat with spare canopies and moist, well-drained sandy or loamy soils. Nests are offended found in gardens, road embankments, and plowed fields. Females tend to lay a clutch of 4-18 eggs. Hatchlings emerge from late August to early October, and newly hatched turtles must make the journey to the nearest water body.

The Species is considered shy. When threatened, they will dive into the water and remain on the bottom for hours. If startled outside the water, the turtle will retreat into its shell and close it plastron to protect its forelimbs and head.

Over winter, the species will inhabit permanent water bodies and deep vernal pools. to prevent freezing and to minimize heat loss, the turtle will borrow into the sediment of the water body and cover itself with mud and slit.

==Diet==
The species is characterized as omnivorous and will scavenge in and around their water habitat. The majority of their diet consists of crustaceans, [[invertebrates]], tadpoles, frogs, and aquatic plants. Some individuals have been recoreded feeding off carrion, 'decaying animal matter', and catching live minnows.

==Threats==
As labeled by the State of New York Department of Environmental Conservation, the current conservation status of the Blanding's turtle is threatened. Problems facing the species include the destruction of habitat and nesting grounds from urbanization. Other issues include habitat fragmentation and vehicle strikes as a result of road crossings.

The main threat to Blanding's turtle arises from vehicle strikes and habitat fragmentation. During nesting season, a female turtle will travel long distances, often more than a mile, in search of suitable vernal pool habitats. Because of their movement patterns, they require larger areas that often occur over urbanized landscapes. Road crossings are the biggest issue; their natural defense mechanism makes them highly vulnerable to vehicle strikes. In addition to its slow maturity rate and low reproductive potential, the loss of a breeding female becomes detrimental to the species. Throughout the Northeast, populations appear to be declining.

==References==
1. Blanding’s Turtle NYSDEC. Web. Accessed April 21, 2025 https://dec.ny.gov/nature/animals-fish-plants/blandings-turtle/
2. Johnson, Glenn, et al. Distribution, Population Structure and Habitat Relationships of Blanding’s Turtle Populations in Northern New York. Endangered Species Unit, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, 2009.
3. Adderley-Heron, Kelton, and Patricia Chow-Fraser. “Unsupervised Classification of Blanding’s Turtle (Emydoidea Blandingii) Behavioural States from Multi-Sensor Biologger Data.” PloS One, vol. 19, no. 11, 2024, pp. e0314291-, https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0314291.
4. Meng, Reta Lingrui, and Patricia Chow-Fraser. “Don’t Worry, Be Happy: Habitat Selection of Blanding’s Turtles (Emydoidea Blandingii) Living in a Reference Condition in Georgian Bay.” PloS One, vol. 18, no. 12, 2023, pp. e0295067–e0295067, https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0295067
5. Blanding’s Turtle (Emydoidea blandingii) | U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. December 18, 2024. https://www.fws.gov/species/blandings-turtle-emydoidea-blandingii.
6.