Disclaimer:

The Nonindigenous Occurrences section of the NAS species profiles has a new structure. The section is now dynamically updated from the NAS database to ensure that it contains the most current and accurate information. Occurrences are summarized in Table 1, alphabetically by state, with years of earliest and most recent observations, and the tally and names of drainages where the species was observed. The table contains hyperlinks to collections tables of specimens based on the states, years, and drainages selected. References to specimens that were not obtained through sighting reports and personal communications are found through the hyperlink in the Table 1 caption or through the individual specimens linked in the collections tables.

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Common name: Black Wood Turtle

Taxonomy: available through www.itis.gov

Identification: The largest turtle in the genus Rhinoclemmys, R. funerea gets it's scientific species name from its overall dark or black coloration (Bonin et al. 2006, Ernst and Barbour, 1989). The head is black above, but the lower half and chin are predominantly yellow with black spotting; a wide pale yellow line passes over the tympanum (ear). The limbs have numerous yellow spots or vermiculations on a black or dark gray background (Bonin et al. 2006, Ernst and Barbour, 1989). The shell is high and somewhat domed with a low keel running along the top; the posterior scutes are serrated (Bonin et al. 2006, Ernst and Barbour, 1989).

Size: To 330 mm carapace length (Bonin et al. 2006)

Native Range: Craibbean drainages of Costa Rica, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Panama (Ernst and Barbour 1989, Rhodin et al. 2021).

Alaska	Hawaii	Puerto Rico & Virgin Islands	Guam Saipan

Hydrologic Unit Codes (HUCs) Explained
Interactive maps: Point Distribution Maps

Ecology: Rhinoclemmys funerea live in swamps marshes, ponds, streams, and rivers in tropical forests (Ernst and Barbour 1989). In the wild they are herbivorous, eating fruits, grasses, and broad-leaved plants and often foraging on land (Ernst and Barbour 1989, Rhodin et al. 2021), but in captivity they will eat some meat (Bonin et al. 2021). Females lay up to four clutches of about three eggs each in spring and summer (Ernst and Barbour 1989, Rhodin et al. 2021).

Means of Introduction: Likely a released or escaped pet.

Impact of Introduction: The impacts of this species are currently unknown, as no studies have been done to determine how it has affected ecosystems in the invaded range. The absence of data does not equate to lack of effects. It does, however, mean that research is required to evaluate effects before conclusions can be made.

References: (click for full references)

Bonin, F., B. Devaux, and A. Dupre. 2006. Turtles of the World. The John Hopkins University Press, Baltimore, MD.

Ernst, C.H. and R.W. Barbour. 1989. Turtles of the world. Smithsonian Institution Press, Washington, D.C.

Rhodin, A.G.J., J.B. Iverson, R. Bour, U. Fritz, A. Georges, H.B. Shaffer, and P.P. van Dijk. 2021. Turtles of the world: annotated checklist and atlas of taxonomy, synonymy, distribution, and conservation status. In: Conservation biology of freshwater turtles and tortoises: a compilation project of the IUCN/SSC tortoise and freshwater turtle specialist group. Volume 8. 9th edition. Chelonian Research Foundation and Turtle Conservancy, Arlington, VT. https://iucn-tftsg.org/wp-content/uploads/crm.8.checklist.atlas_.v9.2021.e3.pdf

 

Author: Jonathan Freedman

This information is preliminary or provisional and is subject to revision. It is being provided to meet the need for timely best science. The information has not received final approval by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and is provided on the condition that neither the USGS nor the U.S. Government shall be held liable for any damages resulting from the authorized or unauthorized use of the information.