Wood Turtle

1 Overview

The wood turtle (Glyptemys insculpta) is a strikingly sculpted North American turtle renowned for its intelligence – it stamps the ground to lure earthworms (‘worm dancing’) and can learn mazes.

It is protected across much of its range; only captive-bred, legal animals should be kept.

2 Appearance

The carapace is dark brown with a pyramidal, sculpted texture; the plastron is yellow with dark blotches and the skin is orange on the limbs and neck. Adults reach 14-20 cm.

3 Care & Temperament

A semi-aquatic turtle needing both a land area and clean water, plus UVB and a basking spot. Shell rot follows wet, dirty conditions.

Highly interactive and active – a favourite among keepers who can meet its needs.

4 Habitat & Environment

Streams and woodlands of eastern North America. Mimic with a moist substrate, a shallow flow, cover, and a warm basking spot.

5 Diet & Feeding

Omnivorous: earthworms, insects, berries, mushrooms, and greens. Dust with calcium. Feed in the moist zone and refresh water often.