Description: 3½ - 7 inches. Painted Turtles have a smooth upper shell (carapace) that is olive, brown, or black. There are irregular light colored lines randomly scattered about the shell. The outer scales of the shell (marginal scutes) have lines extending inward from the edge, which is usually a lighter yellow, orange, or red color. The bottom shell (plastron) is usually red or orange, with an "ink blot" pattern covering much of it. This irregular pattern may fade in older adults. The head is dark colored with a pattern of yellow lines extending from the shell to the nose.

Similar Species: None.

Comments: May be found statewide.