June 16, 2025, 3:44 am | Read time: 6 minutes

With its bright shell markings, adaptability, and high level of activity, the painted turtle is among the most popular aquatic turtles kept in terrariums. However, not all painted turtles are the same: Four subspecies exhibit significant differences in appearance, distribution, and care requirements—even down to whether they need to hibernate. Anyone interested in this species should take a closer look.

All share the flat, smooth carapace but differ in color, size, habitat, and even biological needs. Particularly striking is C. p. dorsalis, which stands out visually with its bright red stripe on the carapace. In terrarium keeping, breeding forms such as “High Red” appear, where extreme color intensity is selected—potentially leading to disadvantages due to overbreeding. The question of hibernation is also controversially discussed depending on the subspecies and is crucial for proper care. This glossary provides information on all four subspecies—scientifically grounded, compact, and differentiated.

Origin

The painted turtle is a species widespread throughout North America, with its four subspecies geographically clearly delineated.

• Chrysemys picta picta (Eastern painted turtle) is found along the Atlantic coast of the U.S., from Canada to Georgia.
• Chrysemys picta bellii (Western painted turtle) inhabits the central prairie regions, from Canadian Saskatchewan to the Great Plains of the U.S.
• Chrysemys picta marginata (Midland painted turtle) lives in the northeastern inland U.S., particularly in the Great Lakes regions.
• Chrysemys picta dorsalis (Southern painted turtle) has a distinctly southern distribution in the U.S., especially in Alabama, Mississippi, and adjacent areas.

The species has established itself in many freshwater habitats due to its high ecological adaptability: from calm ponds to slow-flowing rivers. Historically, Chrysemys picta is one of the oldest known turtle species in North America, with fossil evidence from the Pliocene. In Europe, it was introduced through the pet trade, with C. p. dorsalis and C. p. bellii now most commonly found in terrariums.

The painted turtle is not covered by the Washington Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species. However, it should only be sourced from responsible breeding, and its origin should be confirmed by the breeder. There is a risk of confusion with the lettered turtles, which are considered invasive in Europe and may only be kept under certain conditions. Although keeping them is not subject to notification, owners should have the necessary expertise to care for these demanding reptiles.

Appearance

All four subspecies have a flat, smooth carapace, but their coloration differs markedly:

• C. p. picta displays an olive green to dark brown shell with yellowish stripes on the head and back, usually without prominent back markings.
• C. p. bellii is notable for its orange-red plastron, often with dark patterns. It is the largest subspecies, reaching shell lengths up to 25 cm.
• C. p. marginata has a brownish shell coloration with a faint light stripe on the back. The belly is pale yellow to orange, often with symmetrical spots.
• C. p. dorsalis is the smallest subspecies and particularly striking due to the bright red stripe on the carapace. This line runs from the neck to the tail end and is a distinctive identifying feature.

Breeding forms like the “High Red” line of C. p. dorsalis exhibit particularly intense red coloration—partly genetically selected, leading to discussions about potential limitations in robustness. Some refer to this as a form of breeding that may result in a tendency toward certain diseases due to unnatural selection.

Behavior

Painted turtles are considered highly lively, curious, and socially compatible with conspecifics. They show a high level of activity, especially when sunbathing, swimming, or exploring their habitat.

With regular care and a sufficiently large habitat, they show little fear of humans. However, a direct bond like that seen in some mammals is not to be expected—painted turtles remain more observational animals.

Occasionally, territorial behavior can occur within the species, especially in too-small tanks. Mixed-gender keeping is possible but should be well monitored.

Proper Care & Maintenance

The care of painted turtles depends heavily on the subspecies:

• C. p. picta, belli, and marginata require a hibernation of about 10–12 weeks at temperatures between 4–8°C.
• C. p. dorsalis, on the other hand, comes from warmer regions and should not undergo hibernation—there is a risk of life-threatening hypothermia.

For all subspecies, a sufficiently large aquaterrarium with a minimum base area of 120×60 cm, a heat lamp (basking spot), UVB light source, land area, and high-quality filtration technology is mandatory. The water temperature should be between 22–26°C, depending on the species.

Care includes regular water changes, monitoring temperature zones, and observing health status. Sunbathing is essential—in summer, keeping them in a secure outdoor enclosure is also possible.

Traditional training is hardly possible with painted turtles, but certain routines can be conditioned—such as recognizing feeding times. Engagement primarily occurs through varied tank design: stones, roots, plants, sun spots, and different water depths encourage natural behavior. A special highlight: food search games with hidden food pieces stimulate the senses. Occasional free swimming in a controlled outdoor area also provides variety.

Diet

Painted turtles are omnivorous, but require different focuses depending on age. Juveniles prefer animal food such as insect larvae, fish pieces, or shrimp. Adult turtles increasingly consume plant-based food—such as aquatic plants, salads, or wild herbs.

Prepared food can be used as a supplement but should not be the main food source. A balanced calcium-phosphorus ratio (e.g., through cuttlebone or special reptile supplements) is important for shell development. Two to three feedings per week are sufficient for adult turtles.

Susceptibility to Certain Diseases

Common health issues include:

• Shell softening (rickets) due to UVB deficiency
• Respiratory diseases, often due to incorrect temperatures
• Parasitic infestation in wild-caught specimens or improper hygiene

Especially in overbred lines like “High Red” (C. p. dorsalis), immune weaknesses can occur. Regular veterinary check-ups (including fecal examination) are recommended.

Errors in hibernation—either too long, too cold, or with the wrong subspecies—are among the most common care mistakes, sometimes with fatal consequences.

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The Painted Turtle at a Glance

• Scientific name: Chrysemys picta with four subspecies
• Size: depending on subspecies, 13–25 cm
• Character: active, curious, observational
• Special features: C. p. dorsalis with red stripe on the back
• Care: aquaterrarium with UVB and sun spot
• Hibernation: only picta, belli, marginata—not dorsalis!
• Diet: omnivorous, with age focus on animal (young) or plant (adult)