Turtles

cool-critters:

Blanding´s turtle (Emydoidea blandingii)

Blanding’s turtle is a semi-aquatic turtle of the family Emydidae. This species is native to central and eastern parts of Canada and the United States. It is considered to be an endangered species throughout much of its range. Blanding’s turtles are of interest in longevity research, as they show little to no common signs of aging and are physically active and capable of reproduction into eight or nine decades of life. Blanding’s turtle is a medium-sized turtle with an average straight carapace length of approximately 18 to 23 cm with a maximum of 25.5 cm. Blanding’s turtle overwinters under or near water, in mud, or under vegetation or debris. This is known as Brumation. It is omnivorous, eating crustaceans and other invertebrates, fish, frogs, crayfish, carrion, berries, and vegetable debris. It is capable of catching live fish. 

photo credits:

Andrew Cannizzaro

thelittlehouseonahill:

Walking Friends.

I encounter all kinds of wildlife on my walks. Here are a few recent finds. This Slider (yellow-bellied?) was on the granite path in Mueller and way too close to Airport Blvd. So I picked him up and took him to the pond. Good sized, about a foot in diameter. The other little turtle was on a hike and bike path in Richardson, TX. He was also in harm’s way so I moved him into the grass and closer to the pond.

Texas Spiny Lizards can be seen darting in and out everywhere right now. They like to sunbathe. They are usually pretty nervous but this one was chilling on the sidewalk on Poquito street last week.