Size: Medium averaging about 16 cm in carapace length.

Appearance: Carapace dome shaped, keeled, color brown with yellow markings of radiating spots and bars, concentric growth rings present; jaw hooked and notched; skin reddish-brown with yellow, orange, or red spots and streaks; large plastron which is hinged between pectoral and abdominal scutes.

Range: South Maine to Michigan and Illinois and South to Florida, but boundaries have been clouded due to it being a freed pet.

Habitat: Most terrestrial of turtles included in this key can be found in most terrestrial habitats in some association with water, prefers open woodlands.

Habits: More active after rains in summer; in fall it buries itself in a stream bed or hibernates in a hillside depression; not aggressive and rarely attempts to bite, make good pets; omnivorous and opportunistic, very fond of soft fruits and mushrooms.