A fascinating and resilient reptile found across Europe and parts of Western Asia. Its shell, also known as the carapace, is typically dark brown, olive, or black, often decorated with yellow or lighter-colored spots and streaks. This patterning helps the turtle blend into its environment, which is important for both avoiding predators and sneaking up on prey.
One of the most distinctive features of the European pond turtle is its ability to live in a wide variety of freshwater habitats. It can be found in ponds, lakes, marshes, and slow-moving rivers. These turtles are especially fond of areas with abundant aquatic vegetation, which provides both food and shelter. They are strong swimmers and spend much of their time in the water, although they do come out onto land to bask in the sun or to lay eggs.
The European pond turtle has a varied diet, making it an omnivore. It eats a mix of plants and animals, including insects, small fish, frogs, and aquatic plants. This varied diet allows the turtle to thrive in different environments and ensures it has enough nutrients to stay healthy. Young turtles tend to eat more meat, while adults consume a higher proportion of plant material. Their sharp, beak-like mouths are perfect for grabbing and chewing their food.
These turtles are known for their longevity, with many living 50 years or more in the wild. This long life is partly due to their ability to enter a state similar to hibernation, called brumation, during the colder months. In winter, the European pond turtle will burrow into the mud at the bottom of a pond or find a sheltered spot where it can stay safe and conserve energy until the weather warms up in spring.
Distribution
Albania
Algeria
Armenia
Austria
Azerbaijan
Belarus
Belgium
Bosnia And Herz.
Bulgaria
Croatia
Cyprus
Czechia
France
Georgia
Germany
Greece
Hungary
Iran
Iraq
Italy
Kazakhstan
Latvia
Liechtenstein
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Malta
Moldova
Monaco
Montenegro
Morocco
Netherlands
North Macedonia
Poland
Portugal
Romania
Russia
Serbia
Slovakia
Slovenia
Spain
Switzerland
Syria
Tunisia
Turkmenistan
Turkey
Ukraine
United KingdomAnything we've missed?
Help us improve this page by suggesting edits. Glory never dies!
Suggest an editGet to know me
Terrestrial / Aquatic
Altricial / Precocial
Polygamous / Monogamous
Dimorphic (size) / Monomorphic
Active: Diurnal / Nocturnal
Social behavior: Solitary / Pack / Herd
Diet: Carnivore / Herbivore / Omnivore / Piscivorous / Insectivore
Migratory: Yes / No
Domesticated: Yes / No
Dangerous: Yes / No
