Field Guide to Maryland's Turtles (Order Testudines)
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| Eastern River Cooter |
Family: Box and Water Turtles (Family Emydidae) |
Common Name: |
Scientific Name: |
Photo of Eastern River Cooter courtesy of John White.
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Size:
12 inches - 16.5 inches |
Appearance:
This large turtle has an elongated carapace (top shell) which appears brown
to olive-brown with orange, yellow or cream markings. This turtle is
distinguished from other river turtles by its backward-facing C-shaped
markings, yellow to orange surrounded by black or brown, on the second
pleural scutes. The shell is also wrinkled with slight serrations along the
rear margins. The undersides of the marginal scutes have donut-shaped dark
spots. The plastron (bottom shell) is yellowish with varied dark markings
following the seams.
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Habitats:
This species prefers slow moving waters - rivers or large streams, ponds,
swamps, and marshes - with plenty of vegetation, basking sites and rocky
bottoms. It is tolerant of brackish water.
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How to Find:
First, go to Virginia. We have not yet found this species in Maryland but it
may be seen in the Potomac River. It is usually found in water, only leaving
to lay eggs and bask on logs or rocks at water’s edge. They will bask in the
company of other aquatic turtles. Since these animals can breathe without
breaking the surface of the water, it may be difficult to see them from
land. In a canoe or kayak, drift quietly while focusing just under the water
surface.
Photo of Habitat for
Eastern River Cooter
courtesy of Matt Sell.
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Distribution in Maryland:
This is primarily a southeastern species; its range stretches from Virginia
to Florida, with some sightings in Indiana. This turtle has not been
collected in Maryland but it has been seen in tributaries of the Potomac
River in Virginia.
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