Size: Small, averaging about 13 cm.

Appearance: Smooth black to brownish in color, somewhat flattened, several yellow or orange spots on each scute; head and neck black with a few orange or yellow spots; ventral surface yellow with black markings; notched upper jaw.

Range: South Maine to Florida along the Atlantic Coastal Plain, into Western Georgia, Ohio, Indiana and Illinois.

Habitat: Shallow quiet waters in bogs, small streams, and ponds; will venture into a wet meadow and sometimes can be found in brackish water.

Habits: Most active in the spring; diurnal; suns itself on large rocks out of the water; omnivorous; active in a temperature range from 3-32 degrees Celsius.