The Wood Turtle (Clemmys insculpta)
Wood turtles are known by their nickname of "Ole Redlegs" throughout their range for their characteristic reddish skin and
scales around their neck and forelegs.
The wood turtle is semiaquatic. Depending on the time of year, they may be found either on land or in the water. The carapace or upper shell of an adult averages 5 to 8 inches.
The wood turtle is considered vulnerable.
Habitat
Per its name, this species spends the majority of its time in the shadow of trees. But as a semi-aquatic creature, the wood turtle is reliant on streams, ponds and rivers.
The Wood Turtle is an air-breathing reptile. They need to surface to fill their lungs with air. They can remain underwater for extended periods of time.
The Wood Turtle is found in (but not necessarily limited to) the United States of America.
Status The wood turtle is listed as a Threatened Species in Minnesota. Description The wood turtle is quite rare in Minnesota and throughout most of its range. Adults are between 5 1/2 and 8 inches in length (Conant and Collins, 1991).
Although the wood turtle requires aquatic environments for feeding, reproduction and hibernation, they are among the most terrestrial turtles in Canada. The common name is derived from its preferred terrestrial habitat.
Other "introduced species" like the wood turtle, may have occurred in our area historically but are now extinct throughout the region.
The Black Wood Turtle is the largest member of the Wood Turtles in the Rhinoclemmys genus, reaching up to 14" (35 cm).
As its scientific name, Glyptemys insculpta, implies, the shell of the wood turtle is one of the most ornate of the turtles in Michigan.
Then she joins Dave to learn about the wood turtle. Next, we take an up-close look at the peregrine falcon. Finally, Sarah and Octave join Susi von Oettigen of the US Fish and Wildlife Service as she monitors the health of dwarf wedge mussels.
Because of habitat degradation, collecting for the pet industry and predation, the wood turtle populations have dwindled rapidly. Wood turtles are now protected by law from collection over virtually their entire ranges.
The genus Clemmys used to have four species (Bog Turtle, Spotted Turtle, Western Pond Turtle, Wood Turtle). The Bog Turtle and the Wood Turtle were moved to the genus Glyptemys, while the Western Pond Turtle has been moved to Actinemys.
 See also: Turtle, Wood Turtle, Shell, Reptile, Earthworm
  
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