Painted Wood Turtle
Rhinoclemmys pulcherrima
Silhouette: Idamara Fernandes Santa Cruz · PhyloPic
- KingdomAnimalia (Animals)
- PhylumChordata (Chordates)
- ClassTestudines
- FamilyGeoemydidae (Eurasian Pond, River, and Neotropical Wood Turtles)
- GenusRhinoclemmys (Neotropical Wood Turtles)
- SpeciesRhinoclemmys pulcherrima (Painted Wood Turtle)
About the Painted Wood Turtle
The ornate or painted wood turtle (Rhinoclemmys pulcherrima) is one of nine turtle species of the genus Rhinoclemmys of the family Geoemydidae. There are four recognized subspecies. Painted wood turtles can grow to a maximum length of 20cm. It has a dome-shaped carapace and the plastron has a continuous ventral line. It has red stripes on its body and it has webbed feet.
It is found in Mexico (from Sonora southwards) and Central America, as far south as Costa Rica and Panama. Painted wood turtles live in rainforests, shallow rivers and bushes. Although they are mostly terrestrial, they can occasionally be found in shallow water.
The painted wood turtle feeds on fruit, insects, and worms. Their diet should consist of 60% leafy greens, 30% protein, and 20% fruits and vegetables. Along with a varied diet, they require additional calcium to insure healthy shell growth.
Unlike aquatic turtles, the painted wood turtle doesn't require water in order to swallow its food. Painted wood turtles are oviparous. Females lay 3-5 eggs at a time. Eggs at low temperatures can be dormant early stages, and can sleep for some... Wikipedia →
Recent sightings of Painted Wood Turtle in Carara National Park
LIVEiNaturalistGlobal Distribution
Warmer areas are where this animal is recorded most often.
Parks Where Found
| # | Park | Country | Daily sighting probability |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Santa Rosa National Park | 🇨🇷 Costa Rica | |
| 2 | Ostional Wildlife Refuge | 🇨🇷 Costa Rica | |
| 3 | Carara National Park | 🇨🇷 Costa Rica | |
| 4 | Cabo Blanco Absolute Nature Reserve | 🇨🇷 Costa Rica | |
| 5 | Palo Verde National Park | 🇨🇷 Costa Rica | |
| 6 | Las Baulas Marine National Park | 🇨🇷 Costa Rica |
Quick answers
What are the chances of seeing a Painted Wood Turtle in Carara National Park?
About 10% of wildlife watchers report a Painted Wood Turtle sighting in Carara National Park, based on 11 verified sightings from GBIF citizen-science data.
When is the best time to see Painted Wood Turtle in Carara National Park?
October has the highest sighting rate for Painted Wood Turtle in Carara National Park in our monthly data.