CHICKEN TURTLE

(Deirochelys reticularia), edible freshwater turtle (family Emydidae) found in the southeastern United States. The chicken turtle has an exceptionally long neck and a finely grooved upper shell covered with an open network of yellowish lines on a brownish background. Shell length is usually about 10 to 15 cm (4 to 6 inches). The chicken turtle inhabits quiet bodies of water and probably feeds on both animal and vegetable material. It frequently leaves the water and travels about on land.