Painted Turtles: Identification, Habitat & Care

Painted turtles (North America, semi-aquatic) have patterned shells (yellow/red/green), yellow/orange head spots, yellow plastron with black streaks. Size: 4–10 inches. Diet: insects, snails, fish, plants. Habitat: ponds, lakes, rivers with vegetation/basking spots. Social, communicative, ecologically important. Popular pets (up to 50 years); need large aquatic terrarium with basking area.