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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.




Glyptemys muhlenbergii
Glyptemys muhlenbergii
(Bog Turtle)
Reptiles-Turtles
Native Transplant

Copyright Info
Glyptemys muhlenbergii (Schoepff, 1801)

Common name: Bog Turtle

Taxonomy: available through www.itis.govITIS logo

Native Range: Distributed sporadically in Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, and Massachusetts (Ernst et al., 1993; Conant and Collins, 1998).

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

Nonindigenous Occurrences:

Table 1. States with nonindigenous occurrences, the earliest and latest observations in each state, and the tally and names of HUCs with observations†. Names and dates are hyperlinked to their relevant specimen records. The list of references for all nonindigenous occurrences of Glyptemys muhlenbergii are found here.

StateFirst ObservedLast ObservedTotal HUCs with observations†HUCs with observations†
CA199819981Lower Sacramento
MA196019601Charles

Table last updated 10/5/2024

† Populations may not be currently present.


Means of Introduction: Pet release.

Status: Reported in Massachusetts.

Impact of Introduction: A population did not establish; no impacts reported.

Remarks: The Bog Turtle is federally listed as a threatened species. Plant succession and hydrologic seasonality make C. muhlenbergii habitat largely ephemeral causing their fluctuating, discontinuous distribution (Ernst et al., 1993). Bog Turtles are omnivorous and feed on insects and insect larvae, snails, berries, seeds, plants, and various vertebrates (Nemuras, 1967; Zappalorti, 1976; Holub and Bloomer, 1977; Ernst et al., 1993).

Habitat: Spring-fed sphagnum bogs, swamps, and marshes (Ernst et al., 1994).

Life History: Mating is from March to June and nests containing about three eggs are excavated in tussocks or elevated soil from May to July (Ernst et al., 1994).

Scientific and standard English names follow Crother (2008).

References: (click for full references)

Conant, R. and J. T. Collins. 1998. A field guide to reptiles and amphibians. Eastern and Central North America. Third Edition, Expanded. Houghton and Mifflin Co. Boston.

Crother, B.I. (chair). Committee on Standard and English and Scientific Names. 2008. Scientific and standard English names of amphibians and reptiles of North America north of Mexico, with comments regarding confidence in our understanding. Society for the Study of Amphibians and  Reptiles Herpetological Circular. No. 37. iii + 86p.

Ernst, C. H., J. E. Lovich, and R. W. Barbour. 1994. Turtles of the United States and Canada. Smithsonian Institution Press, Washington and London.

Author: McKercher, E.

Revision Date: 10/21/2019

Citation Information:
McKercher, E., 2024, Glyptemys muhlenbergii (Schoepff, 1801): U.S. Geological Survey, Nonindigenous Aquatic Species Database, Gainesville, FL, https://nas.er.usgs.gov/queries/FactSheet.aspx?SpeciesID=1235, Revision Date: 10/21/2019, Access Date: 10/6/2024

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.

Disclaimer:

The data represented on this site vary in accuracy, scale, completeness, extent of coverage and origin. It is the user's responsibility to use these data consistent with their intended purpose and within stated limitations. We highly recommend reviewing metadata files prior to interpreting these data.

Citation information: U.S. Geological Survey. [2024]. Nonindigenous Aquatic Species Database. Gainesville, Florida. Accessed [10/6/2024].

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