WOOD TURTLE

(Clemmys insculpta), long-tailed turtle of the family Emydidae, found from Nova Scotia through the eastern and central United States. The rough upper shell of the wood turtle is about 1520 cm (68 inches) long and bears concentrically grooved pyramids on each of the large plates (scutes). The upper shell is brown, and the neck and legs are reddish. The wood turtle is partly terrestrial. Although it is a capable swimmer, it often strays into meadows and woody regions to feed on soft vegetation and small invertebrates. It makes a satisfactory pet and was formerly marketed as food.