Glyptemys

The genus Glyptemys includes two fascinating freshwater turtle species found in North America: the wood turtle (Glyptemys insculpta) and the bog turtle (Glyptemys muhlenbergii). Though they share a genus and a love for watery habitats, they each have their own unique look and behavior. One of the things that sets Glyptemys turtles apart from others is their beautifully sculpted shells. The wood turtle gets its name from the rough, wood-like patterns on its shell, which makes it look like it was carefully carved. On the other hand, the bog turtle is much smaller and known for its bright orange patches on the sides of its neck, giving it a splash of color that makes it easy to recognize.

The wood turtle is one of the more land-loving turtles in North America. While it does live near rivers and streams, it spends much time wandering through forests and meadows. It’s pretty smart for a turtle, too – wood turtles have been seen using their feet to stomp on the ground to trick worms into coming to the surface so they can eat them. That’s not bad for an animal without teeth! They’re curious creatures and tend to investigate their surroundings more than other turtles, which has earned them a reputation for being more “personable” in the turtle world.

The bog turtle, meanwhile, is the smallest in North America, often growing no larger than a bar of soap. It prefers quiet, mucky wetlands and bogs where it can hide among soft plants and wet soil. Because of its tiny size and secretive nature, the bog turtle is tough to find in the wild, which makes it feel like a bit of treasure when spotted. Sadly, it’s also one of the most endangered turtles in the world due to habitat loss and illegal pet trade.