Bog Turtle (Glyptemys muhlenbergii) Pennsylvania Endangered Reptile Species State Rank: S2 Global Rank: G3 Identification

The bog turtle (Glyptemys muhlenbergii) is Pennsylvania's smallest turtle, growing only 3 to 4.5 inches in length. Its most distinguishing feature is the large orange blotches on each side of the head. The shell and body are a dark brown with no distinctive markings. The bog turtle can be confused with the spotted turtle (Clemmys guttata). Spotted turtles have small yellow spots on the carapace, or shell and small orange spots on the head and body. Sometimes, few spots are present and initially the two species may appear very similar. The presence of large orange patches on the bog turtle's head is the best way to differentiate the two species. Habitat This turtle has very specific habitat requirements, which is a major factor in its rarity throughout the United States. Bog turtles occur in wet meadows and bogs where tussock sedge and grasses dominate the wetlands. They require open conditions associated with early-successional wetland habitats. The substrate must consist of deep mucky soils fed by groundwater seeps, with only modes