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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.

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Common name: Bog Turtle

Taxonomy: available through www.itis.gov

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).

Alaska	Hawaii	Puerto Rico & Virgin Islands	Guam Saipan

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

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.

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.