BATfeACHiANS AND REPTILES OF OHIO. 141 



This is a gaudy creature and is noticeable in its environment. 

 It frequents still ponds and streams or marshy places, In Buck- 

 aye I/ake, where it is to be found sparingly, it is seen sometimes 

 itj the interior of one of the Sphagnum bogs away from water. 

 It is also seen among several individuals of C. marginata sitting 

 OQ a log in the sunshine. They are shy and are in the water at 

 oaqe when disturbed. They feed on moUusks, frogs, tad-poles, 

 etc. , while insects enter largely into their diet. 



While not rare in Ohio they are by no means common. 

 Hqwever, they doubtless occur in small numbers in all part's. 



Specimens in the O. S. U. Mus., collected by the author from the Lick- 

 ing llesejvoir, Castalia and Columbus. 



Hpiyi^oidea blandingi (Holbr.). Carapace black, covered with small, 

 yellqw spots. Plastron with large, black blotches. Yellow spots on head. 

 Length 8 inches. 



pound in the larger streams flowing into I^ake Erie and the 

 Ohio River. It is a large species, but inconspicuous, and its 

 habits are not well known. The species is nowhere abundant, 

 even Jo its more normal habitat. It has been observed by the 

 writer in the sand on Cedar Point, Sandusky, early in July, 

 apparejjtly ovipositing. On approaching it it draws in head and 

 legs aad closes its shell and no amount of thumping will cause it 

 to opeBi the hinged plastron. 



Specimens in the O. S. U. Mus., from Columbus and Sandusky. 



Terrf^pene caroliua (L.). Carapace short, high and thrown into many 

 rugosities. Above yellow, with black markings. Plastron hinged in front 

 and behind, capable of closing the shell tight. Length 6 inches. Variable. 



This is the common Box-turtle. While nowhere common in 

 Ohio, it ii met with now and then in every portion of the State. 

 It is strictly terrestrial. Their food consists of insects mainly, 

 but unlike ^»y other turtle of the State, is a vegetarian to some 

 extent, talCv^ fungi, roots, potatoes, etc. They are long-lived, 

 and stories are commonly heard of their extreme longevity, based 

 on a specimen that had been discovered bearing an inscription, 

 carved on its shell, which had been made years before. 



Specimens in the Cin. Soc. Nat. His., from Hamilton Co., collected by 

 Dr. Lindahl. In the O. S. U. Mus., collected by Prof. J. H. Schaffner from 

 6tigar Grove ; from Georgesville, by Mr. Coberly, and from Vinton by the 

 author. 



