Full Grown Spotted Turtle: Size, Appearance, Price & More

The spotted turtle is a small aquatic turtle species native to eastern North America. In this guide, we'll discuss what to expect from a fully grown spotted turtle, including its size, weight, appearance, personality, care needs and more.

About the Spotted Turtle

The spotted turtle (Clemmys guttata) is one of the smallest freshwater turtle species in North America. They typically inhabit small woodland ponds, marshes and bogs across eastern Canada and parts of the northeastern and midwestern United States.

As omnivores, spotted turtles forage on both plants and small invertebrates. They are highly territorial and will actively defend their domain from intruders. Females typically lay 1-3 eggs each year from May to July. Hatchlings measure only 1-1.5 inches in shell length.

Size at Full Growth

A fully grown adult spotted turtle will reach a maximum carapace (top shell) length of only 3-4 inches. Their plastron (bottom shell) will span about 2.5-3.5 inches at maturity. In terms of height, a large male spotted turtle may stand 1-1.5 inches tall from the bottom of its feet to the top of its carapace.

Weight at Full Growth

On average, an adult female spotted turtle typically weighs 30-50 grams. Large males tend to be slightly heavier at 40-60 grams once they reach sexual maturity. Weight can vary slightly depending on season and recent food intake.

Appearance at Full Growth

As implied by their name, fully grown spotted turtles are covered with distinctive yellow spots all over their carapace, plastron and limbs. The spots provide excellent camouflage among fallen leaves and vegetation in their woodland habitat. Their shell is somewhat domed and oval-shaped.

Males can be identified by their longer claws on the front feet used for courtship. They also possess a thicker tail used to grasp females during breeding. Overall coloration tends to be a sandy brown or olive green to blend into the forest floor.

Personality at Full Growth

Adult spotted turtles tend to be shy and reclusive in nature. In the wild, they are highly territorial of their habitat which typically spans only a one to two meter radius. Spotteds will hiss and strike defensively with their nails if intruders enter their domain.

However, captive spotted turtles can become more comfortable with gentle, gradual human interaction over several years. With proper care and socialization, some individuals may even accept gentle handling. But they are not typically considered a "handleable" pet turtle.

Price

Due to their threatened status in some areas and difficulty to breed in captivity, adult spotted turtles available as pets command high prices. Expect to pay $150-300 or more for a single adult turtle from a reputable breeder.

Hatchlings and juveniles are somewhat more affordable at $50-100 depending on age and region. Always research local and national laws before transporting or owning any wild-caught turtles.

Food/Feeding

In the wild, an adult spotted turtle's omnivorous diet consists of small invertebrates, berries, fungi and plant matter. An appropriate captive diet includes various proteins (feeder insects, worms, pellets) along with vegetable matter like dark, leafy greens 2-3 times per week.

Feed adult spotted turtles every other day by lightly dusting food with a calcium supplement. Uneaten food should be removed after 24 hours to avoid spoilage in the water. Fresh food and clean water should always be available.

Lifespan

With exceptional care, spotted turtles have been known to live 15-20 years or possibly longer in captivity. Their average natural lifespan in the wild is 10-15 years. Long-term health and nutrition play a vital role in maximizing a spotted turtle's potential longevity.

Health at Full Growth

Common health issues that may afflict adult spotted turtles include metabolic bone disease from calcium deficiency, fungal and bacterial shell infections, intestinal parasites and poor appetite due to improper diet or husbandry.

It's important to take preventative measures like calcium supplementation, good filtration/water quality, proper lighting and regular veterinary checkups. Basic first aid involves antifungal/antibacterial treatment, parasite removal and careful wound/shell cleaning as needed.

Care and Nutritional Needs

A healthy adult spotted turtle requires an aquarium or outdoor pond holding at least 20-30 gallons of water, plus a basking/sunning area. Water temperature should sit at 70-78F, with access to both UVB and heat lamp basking spots.

Filtration must keep water pristine at all times. Decor should provide hiding spaces and stimulation. Shells must be completely dry when out of the water through proper handling methods to prevent shell rot.

Nutritionally, focus on a varied omnivorous diet as outlined above along with calcium, vitamin and mineral supplementation. General cleaning involves scrubbing substrate/decor each week and partial water changes every 2-4 weeks.

Costing

Initial set up costs for an adult spotted turtle range from $250-500 depending on habitat size, lighting/filtration needs and other equipment. Basic ongoing expenses average $50-100 per year for food, supplements and general care items like substrate, driftwood, etc.

Unexpected veterinary bills should also be budgeted for as any pet reptile or amphibian may occasionally require medical attention. Overall costs are comparable to caring for other small turtle species.

Possible Behavioral Changes of a Fully Grown Spotted Turtle

Once sexually mature, male spotted turtles may exhibit stronger territorial behavior and charging/biting tendencies if another male enters their habitat. Brumation (winter dormancy) also impacts behavior as turtles become less active.

Females looking to lay eggs may seem more restless during breeeding season between May to July. Outside of breeding periods, adult spotted turtles remain largely shy, reclusive and defensive if disturbed. No major changes in temperament are seen beyond sexual maturity.

Notable Characteristics of a Fully Grown Spotted Turtle

Some standout traits include their small stature (max 4 inches long), distinct yellow spot patterns, clawed front feet, thick tails on males and ovular domed shells. Compared to hatchlings, adults also demonstrate more prominent head scales, leg seams and plastron hinges between the sections.

The facial profile of mature turtles is somewhat flattened with more developed jawlines. Nails and skin may appear rougher in texture. Sexual dimorphism between males and females is evident regarding claw size and tail thickness once turtles reach breeding age.

When is a Spotted Turtle Considered Fully Grown?

Most spotted turtles attain sexual maturity around 4-5 years old, though some males may breed as early as 3 years. At this stage, their growth plates have fully fused indicating skeletal maturity. However, spot patterns may continue darkening slightly up to age 7-10 years.

While size alone is not a definitive indicator, spotted turtles measuring 3 inches or larger in carapace length have likely stopped significant growth. Annual weight fluctuations may still occur related to season/reproduction.

Suitability as a Pet

Although smaller as adults, spotted turtles require specialized care and are not considered beginner pets. Their reclusive nature and territorial aggression also make them less suitable for interacting families. With the right advanced set up and husbandry however, experienced turtle keepers can certainly house this species.

Given the difficulty breeding them ex situ as well as their vulnerable conservation status, it's generally advised to observe spotted turtles from a distance in the wild instead of maintaining as pets. Their complex natural behaviors are best preserved in protected natural habitats.