Can You Spot the Spots? All About the Spotted Turtle

As the weather warms, it’s common to see more and more turtles basking in the sun. You might be able to recognize the size of a snapping turtle or the colors of a painted turtle, but there are lesser-known species that deserve some recognition. It’s time to shine a spotlight on the spotted turtle. 

A spotted turtle. (Photo via Shutterstock)

How do you know it’s a spotted turtle? 

The answer might seem obvious, but do you see spots? Then you might be looking at a spotted turtle! The number of spots on its carapace, or top shell, depends on the individual, but there can be anywhere from 1 to more than 100 spots on a single shell. They also have orange coloring near their head, neck and forelegs. 

Another clue: Spotted turtles are one of the tiniest turtles around here. Just how tiny? Their full-grown size might be the size of your hand! Measuring between 3.1 inches and 4.7 inches, the spotted turtle competes with the eastern musk turtle for tiniest turtle species of Will County.  

Where are they? 

You can find these pint-sized shell-ebrities in wetlands across the eastern United States and eastern Great Lakes.  The northeastern part of Illinois is part of that territory. And luckily, some have been spotted in Will County!  

The spotted turtle loves habitats such as marshes, swamps and streams with muddy bottoms. There they can find some of their favorite foods, such as worms, amphibian eggs, small frogs, insects and some aquatic vegetation.

Spotted turtles find food both on land and in the water. Even if they find the food on land, they bring it in the water to eat. Great minds think alike — we humans often have some sort of drink to “wash down” our meals, too! 

They like to bask on logs just like other turtle species. They are not fans of extreme summer weather, but they might burrow in leaf litter or in the water to keep cool.  

Will I be able to see them in the preserves? 

If you’re lucky! Spotted turtles are endangered in Illinois due to loss of habitat. But during the spring, males and females will venture on land to find a mate and build nests. As you walk or ride through the preserves, keep an eye out for turtles crossing the roads. 

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