Size	3.5-5 inches
Weight	1/2 to 3/4 of a pound
Conservation Status	On the 2008 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, the spotted turtle is listed as Vulnerable
Diet	Spotted turtles are primarily carnivorous; however, they will consume a small amount of aquatic plant material. In the wild the turtles consume mostly insects and fish. At the Zoo, the turtles are offered a base diet of Fresh Water Turtle biscuit. The biscuits provide the majority of nutrients the animals require. For activity and enrichment their diet also includes insects.
Geographic Range	Eastern Seaboard and the Great Lakes region
Where to find me in the Zoo	Reptile and Amphibian House

The spotted turtle has avery distinct "polka-dot" pattern of yellow spots on the head, neck, legs, and carapace. Background coloration is black or blue-black.. The pattern and number of spots is variable from turtle to turtle and can change with age.

Longevity
About 25 years with some reports of animals living to be 50.

Behavior
Spotted turtles are found on both land and in the water. They  are primarily active from March to October during the daylight hours. During the night they will burrow into the mud or a mammal burrow until dawn. At dawn they can be seen basking in the sun to warm up before they begin foraging for food.

Reproduction
March to May is the breeding season.. At the conclusion of breeding season, the females leave the breeding pools to nest. The female deposits 3-4 eggs in the nest, then covers the eggs with dirt as most turtles do. The eggs will hatch in 70-83 days at which time the hatchlings make their way to wet, grassy areas for food and shelter.