New World Pond Turtles: Emydidae - Physical Characteristics

PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS

The New World pond turtles come in many shapes and sizes. Adult small bog turtles have upper shells, or carapaces (KARE-a-pays), that grow to about 5 inches (12.7 centimeters) in length, while the carapaces of the large Gray's sliders can reach a length of 2 feet (61 centimeters) or more. Most pond turtles have a least a little webbing between their toes. The males and females look very much alike, though sometimes the females are larger. In some species, the male is more colorful and has long, thin front claws.