494 PROCEEDINGS OF THE INDIANA ACADEMY OF SCIENCE. 



7. Cleynmys guttatiLs (Sclmeider) . 

 Speckled Turtle. 



The Speckled Tortoise is found from New England to North Carolina 

 and west to Indiana. In this state it has been found only in the northern 

 part. It has been recorded only from Kendallville, Rochester, English Lake 

 and Lake Maxinkuckee. It is not a \^vy common turtle at Lake Maxinkuckee. 

 Two specimens were obtained at the lake in May, 1891, by members of the 

 Indiana Academy of Science. 



The first example seen by us was got at the south end of the lake October 

 1, 1900. It Avas ne.xt seen April 1, 1901, when 2 were found on a tussock in 

 Green's flat. The following is the record ot all the remaining individuals seen 

 by us: April 3, 1901, one found dead on Green's flat and another found dead 

 in the elevator pond; April 4, 4 caught and several other seen basking ia Green's 

 flat; April 9, several seen in a ditch in Green's flat and one in a tamarack 

 swamp west of lake; April 15, one caught in Green's flat; April 24, several 

 8 en in Hauk's marsh chasing each other in a lively manner. They were 

 evidently mating; .3 pairs and one odd one were caught; April 25, caught 

 one male in Green's flat; April 26, several seen in Green's flat; April 30, one 

 seen in Green's flat ; May 14, one found dead on the west edge of Long Point; 

 May 22, several seen in a ditch near the tamarack swamp, 4 of which were 

 collected. 



The only one see in the fall was found in Hauk's marsh September 3, 

 1996. One was obtained in a ditch near Fort Wayne, September 28. 



This interesting and beautiful little turtle is by preference an inhabitant of 

 the small ponds, marshes and open ditches, and is less aquatic than any of the 

 preceding species. We never saw it iti Lake Maxinkuckee proper. The one 

 found at the south end of the lake Avas south of the Farrar cottage at a small 

 pond. As maj- be seen from the above, its favorite haunts are Green's flat, 

 Hauk's marsh and the vicinity of the tamarack swamp. None was seen on 

 the east side of the lake, but careful search in April and May would doubtless 

 reveal its presence along Aubeenaubee Creek and Norris Inlet, and possibly at 

 Culver Inlet. Late in May, when the ponds have Vjecome pretty dry, these 

 turtles disappeared. 



They began mating about the middle of April. Several wore seen paired 

 April 19 to 24. When mating, tht^y are more active than we have observed 

 any other species to be. The males chase the females rapidly and persistently 

 until the female is captured. The male would immediately climb upon the 

 female's back. Several pairs that were placed in a tub were continually 

 assuming this position, although actual copulation was not observed. 



We have never found the eggs of this species and know very little about 

 its nesting season or habits. Its eggs are said to be only 3 or 4 in number, 

 about 1.25 by .75 inch in size, and to be laid in June. 



This turtle is apparently silent, as we have never heard any note which 

 we could positively associate with it. 



