lithobates's Identifications

Fast ID folks: please read before downgrading!

Observation is for the turtle in the center only. This is a translocated individual, presumably a released pet. This is also a great Midland/Eastern comparison. The Eastern has a different dorsal scute shape, with the scutes running across the shell in parallel. It also has the yellow bands along these parallel scute lines. There are also some subtle differences with the yellow striping on the neck and the prevalence of red on the upper surface of the marginal scutes; these are hard to describe but are consistent Eastern features as well. Note also the red on the "shins" of the rear feet and the absence of this in any of the Midlands visible.

For those curious, the turtle on the right in the first photo is a regular (local) Midland with a scute aberration.