European Pond Turtle

Other Breeds

Keeshond   |   Palomino   |   Pig – Pot Bellied   |  

Alternative Name

European Pond Terrapin Scientific Name: Emys orbicularis

Basic Info

The shell of the European Pond Turtle averages between 7 and 14 inches. The top of the shell, or carapace, is oval shaped and smooth. The plastron has a small joint in the middle. Older European Pond Turtles are dark tan, olive green, or brown in color, while the younger animals have yellowish markings on the shell, head, and neck. The pattern of markings on the shell depends on where the turtle is from. Young European Pond Turtles also have yellow rings in their eyes. The European Pond Turtle has limbs similar to those of a tortoise, but their shell more closely resembles the shells of aquatic turtles. They have webbed digits with sharp nails.

Health

Breeding European Pond Turtles usually mate after hibernation in May, although they may breed as early as March and as late as April. The female lays a clutch of between three and sixteen eggs. The clutches are usually larger in the wild. The eggs, which are laid in holes dug in the ground, hatch between August and September. Male European Pond Turtles are smaller and have thicker tails then the females. Males are sexually mature between the ages of 12 and 13, while the female is not mature until she is about 15.

Habitat

Found in most of Europe, north Africa, and the Near East

Behavior

The European Pond Turtle is sometimes known as the European Pond Terrapin. They are common throughout Europe and are becoming popular as pets in the United States. European Pond Turtles are a very adaptable species. In the wild, they are found near slow moving or still bodies of water. While there is usually vegetation present, this is not always the case. The lack of vegetation is not a problem as the European Pond Turtle is primarily a carnivore. While female Pond Turtles may eat fruits and vegetables, both males and females generally feed on fish, amphibians, mollusks, insects, crustaceans, small snakes, worms, and small mammals. The European Pond Turtle is a very shy animal towards other species. They usually live in groups of between 5 and 20 Pond Turtles. European Pond Turtles are active between April and October. They hibernate in the winter, usually buried in the mud.

Origin

Europe, north Africa, and the Near East

History

The similarities the European Pond Turtle has to both tortoises and aquatic turtles earn it the title of "passing-type turtle." They can be found in most of Europe, north Africa, and the Near East.

Common Foods

eat fruits and vegetables, both males and females generally feed on fish, amphibians, mollusks, insects, crustaceans, small snakes, worms, and small mammals