mee PILES OF THE VICINITY OF NEW VORK CITY 137 
situated a little behind the eye and slightly above the region of 
ime-ecar. ‘The species is very rare in this vicinity. An adult 
specimen will measure four inches in length. 
Range: Southern New York, New Jersey and eastern 
Pennsylvania. 
Local distribution: Recorded from Staten Island and the 
Palisades of the Hudson River. Frequents shallow streams and 
swamps. 
The Wood Turtle, Chelopus insculptus (Figs. 42 and 43), 
sometimes called the Wood Tortoise, is a species quite terrestrial 
feeoapits, Lhe-~general aspect of the carapace is 
rough, the plates being raised in concentric rings, and 
there is a distinct keel down the back. The color is 
brownish above, irregularly and rather indistinctly marked with 
yellow or light brown; the plastron is reddish yellow with a 
blotch of black on each plate; limbs, neck and fleshy parts 
tinged with salmon red. The head is uniform brown. 
Although never found far from the vicinity of water, this 
species is not a water turtle, but prefers to roam about on swampy 
ground. In habits it resembles the Box Tortoise (Cistudo 
carolina), feeding largely upon vegetable matter. The Wood 
Turtle attains fairly large dimensions, the length of an adult 
specimen being eight inches. 
Range: The northeastern United States. 
Local distribution: General in swampy districts, but not 
common. 
The Spotted Turtle, Chelopus guttatus (Fig. 44), rivals the 
Painted Turtle in being the most common of the local chelonians. 
The shell is smooth and black above with numerous 
; ; _ Spotted 
round, yellow spots which vary in number on different ertle: 
individuals. The plastron is yellow, blotched with 
black. The average length of an adult specimen is four 
inches. 
Range: Maine to South Carolina; westward to Ohio. 
Local distribution: General and abundant. 
The Box Tortoise, Cistudo carolina (Figs. 45, 46 and 47), is 
a strictly terrestrial species. The plastron is provided with a 
remarkable, practical double hinge, which is employed for pro- 
Wood 
Turtle. 
