Glyptemys insculpta

Semi-aquatic enclosure / paludarium: a large terrestrial part (the majority) combined with a shallow water zone. A secure outdoor enclosure is ideal in a temperate climate.

Minimum dimensions for a single adult; bigger is always better, especially outdoors. An excellent climber and escape artist: smooth, high walls with no foothold, and buried walls in an outdoor enclosure to prevent digging out. Provide hides, plants, leaf litter and a basking zone. Avoid mixing several individuals (stress, seasonal aggression).

A riparian, humidity-loving species; the terrestrial part kept moist without being waterlogged, with permanent access to water.

The terrestrial part in a loose, moist substrate allowing it to dig and hide; the aquatic zone bare or with fine gravel that is easy to clean.

UVB essential (a diurnal basker) for the synthesis of vitamin D3, bone and shell strength. A 5.0-6% type UVB tube in a terrarium (replaced every 6-12 months), or a more powerful source over a large volume; outdoors, exposure to direct unfiltered sunlight is ideal.

Clean, shallow water, preferably flowing and well oxygenated (a stream species); filtration recommended if the water is stagnant. The water zone must allow full immersion while offering an easy exit onto dry land. Frequent renewal: these turtles readily defecate in the water.

Northeastern North America (eastern Canada and the northeastern United States), along forest waterways and streams. PROTECTED SPECIES: listed under CITES Appendix II and Annex B of the EU Regulation, classified as "Endangered" by the IUCN. Its keeping is regulated and taking from the wild is illegal in many jurisdictions and constitutes a major threat to the species; favour exclusively captive-bred individuals with legal traceability. A NON-venomous species.

Omnivore — Earthworms, slugs, snails, insects, carrion; berries (strawberries, blueberries), mushrooms, plants and young shoots.

A varied diet, mostly animal-based in the young, more plant-based and frugivorous in the adult. It actively forages for food on land during summer. Supplement with calcium (with D3 if UVB is limited); avoid excess protein and sugary fruit.

Clutch 4–12 eggs/young. One clutch per year. Provide a sunlit laying site in a loose substrate (sand/soil). Incubation of about 50 to 70 days; sex is determined genetically (no thermal determinism). Late maturity and a low reproductive rate, which make the species very vulnerable to collection.

• Shell rot / ulceration (SCUD, bacterial and fungal infections)
• Metabolic bone disease (MBD) from UVB or calcium deficiency
• Respiratory infections (unsuitable temperature or humidity, overheating)
• Internal parasites (common, especially in wild-origin specimens)
• Hypovitaminosis A (vitamin A deficiency: oedema, eye problems)