Size. The upper shell of a large female measures about 240 to 

 285 mm. The male is about two thirds as long as the female. 



Habitat. This species normally inhabits the bays and marshes 

 of large rivers, lakes, and ponds. It avoids flowing water, clean 

 bottoms, and small ponds. 



Breeding Habits. This species is said to mate late in April. The 

 eggs are laid chiefly in June, but occasionally much later. Hatch- 

 ing may occur in August, September, or May, probably depending 

 upon where the eggs are laid. 



The female constructs a flask-shaped hole in some field, often 

 at a considerable distance from the water. From ten to sixteen eggs 

 are said to be laid at one time. 



Food. The natural food of this species seems to be chiefly snails 

 and clams, both of which are fairly readily crushed by its heavy 

 jaws. In captivity these turtles are extremely reluctant to eat, even 

 when placed in large pools. Ditmars reports that they never sur- 

 vived a winter in the pond of the New York Zoological Gardens 

 and surmises some dietary deficiency. 



Although this species is decidedly aquatic, its shyness and un- 

 willingness to eat in captivity make it unsuitable for prolonged 

 aquarium use. 



It is this species that forms the amusing rows and even piles of 

 sunning turtles along the edge of large lakes. 



[93] 



