Growth of the Spotted Turtle, Clemmys guttata

Abstract

Growth of the spotted turtle, Clemmys guttata, was studied in southeastern Pennsylvania. Growth is more rapid in juveniles and slows once maturity is reached, but is not as affected by the attainment of maturity as in Chrysemys picta and Chrysemys scripta. Growth in the first season depends on the date of hatching; hatchlings which overwintered in the nest and emerged the following spring grew larger due to a longer season. The usual growth period in southeastern Pennsylvania is from 1 April to 30 June, or 91 days, and is most limited by water temperature. The growth period is compared to that of Chrysemys picta from the same locality.