Scientific name: Clemmys marmorata
Common name: Western Pond Turtle
Size: 4.7-7.2 in (12-18 cm)
Distinguishing characters: Low carapace with shields that have a network of lines or dashes of brown or black on a olive or dark background coming from its growth centers. Limbs and head olive, yellow, orange or brown often with darker lines, flecks or spots.
Juveniles: Tail as long as shell; head, limbs and tail marked with yellow; shields of the carapace have striking pattern of radiating lines.
Dimorphism: Male has a lighter throat; tail is much longer than that of female with cloaca extending past end of shell, whereas cloaca of female does not extend past end of shell; shell usually flatter and less marked than a female's, with underside concave.
Similar species: Although this is the only native turtle, Trachemys scripta is found introduced in many places outside of the Reserve, but differs in having a greener shell, and large red markings on the side of the head.
Additional notes: An aquatic turtle that utilizes upland habitat seasonally. They occur They are fairly common in the Santa Margarita River on the Reserve.
