Size: Medium, up to 23 cm.

Appearance: Rough shell with groves and ridges building up to broad points, posterior margin serrate; plastron yellow with brown blotches along outer margins; skin is reddish-orange to dark brown, except for yellow, red or orange markings sometimes present on neck legs and tail; non-projecting snout and notched upper jaw.

Range: Nova Scotia to Northern Virginia, West to Great Lakes region of Minnesota and Iowa.

Habitat: Terrestrial and aquatic, in a wide range of habitats but associated with some water, prefers soft clay or mud bottoms.

Habits: Diurnal, most active in mornings and evenings and only feeds when temperatures are above 15 degrees Celsius; eats a variety of vegetable and small animals; hibernates from October or November until March through May, depending on location in range; makes a great pet, is non-aggressive and is somewhat responsive.