Turtle Camp Organisms
Painted Turtle
Blanding’s Turtle
Ornate Box Turtle
Snapping Turtle
Map Turtle
Hognose Snake
Garter Snake
Brown Snake
Kirtland Snake
Bull Snake
Water Snake
Fox Snake
Racer
Six-Lined Racerunner
Bullfrog
Leopard Frog
American Toad
Information supplemented by www.HerpNet.net.
Kirtland snake information supplemented by
www.michigan.gov/dnr
Painted Turtle
(Chrysemys picta)
Characteristics:
Carapace is olive with red
markings along the edge.
Head is yellow/black striped.
Plastron varies from bright
orange and black to a dull
orange, depending on age.
Life History:
Painted turtles are very
common in Iowa. Their
mating season is in April. During this time, the male courts the female using his
foreclaws. The female leaves the water to lay her eggs in May or June. Many times a
female lays more than one clutch a year. Although the eggs hatch in August or
September, the hatchlings remain in the nest over-winter. In the spring, the babies
claw their way out of the soil and scurry towards water. Adult turtles spend the
winter buried in mud.
Painted turtles are mostly carnivorous when young, but become more
omnivorous as they mature. Adult turtles eat vegetation, carrion, and small prey.
Where you’ll see it at Turtle Camp:
Painted turtles will be present in the slough at Turtle Camp and will nest on
the shore.
Current Research in the Janzen Lab:
Painted turtles, as well as many other turtles, have temperature-dependent
sex determination. This means that the temperature of the nest determines the sex
of the offspring. At warmer temperatures, females are produced. One of the main
focuses of Turtle Camp is to track trends with this interesting characteristic.
Other research focuses on predation, population structure, nest site selection,
and variations in early-life history.
Past Research in the Janzen Lab:
Past research in the Janzen Lab has focused on vegetation cover, body size,
hormone levels in females and eggs, and protein and fat content in eggs.
Blanding’s
Turtle
(Emys blandingii)
Characteristics:
Carapace is light to dark brown.
Head is brown on top with bright
yellow chin and throat.
Plastron varies from dark yellow
to brown.
Legs have yellow mixed with
brown.
Photo by Lori
Life History:
This turtle is threatened in Iowa. Blanding’s turtles are often found in marshy,
boggy areas. Courtship is from April to May. After mating, the turtles often travel
from marsh to marsh. The females lay their eggs, preferably in sand, in June. The
babies hatch at the end of the summer and the hatchlings make their way to the
marsh. Both young and mature Blanding’s turtles spend the winter months in the mud
at the bottom of the marsh.
Blanding’s turtles are mainly carnivorous. They feed primarily on crayfish, but
also consume slugs, fish, frogs, and tadpoles. Occasionally, they eat plant matter.
Where you’ll see it at Turtle Camp:
Blanding’s turtles are most often found during trapping in the slough.
However, a few individuals can be found in the sand prairie and in the campground.
Current Research in the Janzen Lab:
A project on the movements of the population of Blanding’s turtles is being
performed. This project also focuses on the population structure and the impact of
humans on this reptile.
Past Research in the Janzen Lab:
Although all trapped individuals are recorded and marked, there have been no
other studies done on Blanding’s turtles in the Janzen lab.
Ornate Box Turtle
(Terrapene ornata)
Characteristics:
Carapace is brightly colored with
yellow markings.
Head is brownish. Females have drab
head and light yellow speckled legs,
while males have bright reddish eyes
and orange, red, and yellow markings
on legs.
Photo by Lori
Life History:
Ornate box turtles are threatened in Iowa and Illinois. They are a completely
terrestrial turtle. Unlike most turtles, their feet have no webbing. These turtles live
in sandy areas. They create burrows in the loose soil, which Turtle Campers call
“garages.” Ornate box turtles mate in spring, but there is evidence that they may
mate at other times during the year. The females lay their eggs in June. The
hatchlings emerge in late August or September and must hide from their many
predators.
Ornate box turtles are mostly carnivorous, eating insects and earthworms.
However, they enjoy several choice plants, including prickly-pear cactus and
spiderworts, which supply these turtles with most of their water.
Where you’ll see it at Turtle Camp:
Ornate box turtles will be found in the sand prairie.
Current Research in the Janzen Lab:
None.
Past Research in the Janzen Lab:
Three main studies have been done on the Ornate box turtle population near
Turtle Camp. One involved their diet. Another study analyzed the genetic structure
of this isolated population compared to the main population in Nebraska. The
demographic structure was also examined recently.
Snapping Turtle
(Chelydra serpentina)
Characteristics:
Carapace is dark and has high ridges
on it.
Head is brown.
Plastron is cross-shaped and light
brown.
Photo by Jeff LeClere
Life History:
Snapping turtles are known for their aggressive behavior out of water. These
turtles will rarely attack unless provoked, though. Snapping turtles are almost
exclusively aquatic. They seldom, like most aquatic turtles. The females come out of
the water to lay their eggs in June. Eggs are often laid on sandbars or along
roadsides. The hatchlings emerge in the early fall or late summer. Snapping turtles
hibernate in the water all winter.
Snapping turtles eat a variety of foods, but especially eat carrion and plantlife. There are reports of snapping turtles eating waterfowl, but this is uncommon.
Where you’ll see it at Turtle Camp:
Most evidence of snapping turtles is the nests that they leave behind in the
sand prairie and occasionally in the campground. A few females are seen wandering
on land. Snapping turtles are also frequently caught in aquatic traps.
Current Research in the Janzen Lab:
Snapping turtles are involved in a diversity study of the turtle species at Turtle
Camp.
Past Research in the Janzen Lab:
Research has focused on hatchling size and its relationship to survival.
Research has also been done on temperature-dependent sex determination in this
species.
Map Turtle
(Graptemys
pseudogeographica or G.
ouachitensis)
Characteristics:
Carapace usually has a mid-line
ridge. Dark olive with dark brown
splotches.
Head is yellow and grey.
Plastron is yellow with black
Photo by Lori
marking.
Legs are marked with grey and yellow designs—looks like a map.
Life History:
These turtles are protected except for on the Mississippi River. Map turtles are
usually found in slower portions of rivers. Breeding season lasts during April and eggs
are laid in June, usually on sand bars. The young hatch at the end of the summer and
some emerge then, while others will stay in the nest over the winter.
Map turtles enjoy mussels and clams, but will also eat other invertebrates.
Their jaws are very powerful so that they can crush the shells of their prey.
Where you’ll see it at Turtle Camp:
Map turtles are usually seen basking in the Mississippi River.
Current Research in the Janzen Lab:
Research is being done on a common herbicide and its effects on developing
turtles. Another study focuses on the differences between different species of Map
turtles in regards to their genetics and morphology.
Past Research in the Janzen Lab:
The embryonic development of this species has been examined.
Hognose Snake
(Heterodon nasicus)
Characteristics:
Dorsal side is light brown with
varying colors of brown patterns.
Ventral side is black and shiny
with yellow and white squares.
Head has dark brown lines. The
nose is slightly upturned.
Life History:
Photo by Lori
Hognose snakes are
endangered in Iowa and Illinois.
They live in sandy or gravelly areas. Hognose snakes breed in spring and again in the
fall. They lay between 2-30 eggs. The young hatch in August. The snakes hibernate
from September to March. These snakes burrow into the sand, using their noses.
When attacked, the snake turns over and plays dead. Occasionally, a small
amount of blood comes from its mouth. Hognose snakes rarely bite.
These snakes eat smaller animals, such as frogs, toads, eggs, and small
rodents. Hognose snakes even eat turtle eggs! Baby snakes will often eat carrion and
insects.
Where you’ll see it at Turtle Camp:
These snakes are found exclusively in the sand prairie. They thermoregulate
on the sand.
Current Research in the Janzen Lab:
Population surveys of Hognose snakes are ongoing.
Past Research in the Janzen Lab:
A study of the population structure and density has been performed.
Garter Snake
(Thamnophis sirtalis)
Characteristics:
Dorsal side is black with a yellow stripe down
the center. A yellow stripe also goes down
each side of the snake. T. sirtalis have red
spots.
Photo by Jeff LeClere
Ventral side is light yellow.
Life History:
Garter snakes breed in the spring and the
young are born live in the late summer. There
can be from 10-80 babies born to each female!
These snakes hibernate with other species of
snakes throughout the winter.
Garter snakes are voracious eaters.
After warming up for the day, they consume
Photo by Jeff LeClere
birds, frogs, small reptiles, eggs, and carrion.
For protection, these snakes can bite,
but it is non-venomous. More frequently, the snakes produce a foul smelling musk
from their cloaca.
Where you’ll see it at Turtle Camp:
These snakes can be found virtually everywhere at Turtle Camp, but especially
in the grass.
Current Research in the Janzen Lab:
None. Individuals found are marked and recorded.
Past Research in the Janzen Lab:
Genetic analyses have been done on garter snakes, with a focus on populations
found in the western United States.
Brown Snake
(Storeria dekayi)
Characteristics:
Dorsal side is brown or grey with a
light stripe running down the back.
Black or dark brown spots run down
either side of this stripe.
Photo by Jeff LeClere
Ventral side is creamy or pinkish or
yellowish.
Head often has an inverted V under the eye that stops at the jaw. A semi-ring is at
the nape of the neck.
Life History:
These snakes breed in spring and give birth to live young. They often hibernate
in rock crevices and under bridges. Brown snakes are diurnal, which means they are
active during the day.
Brown snakes enjoy soft-bodied invertebrates, such as snails, slugs, and
earthworms. They also eat tadpoles and frogs if the snake is big enough.
Brown snakes are not aggressive and rarely bite or release foul musk.
Where you’ll see it at Turtle Camp:
These snakes will most likely be found in the woods around the campgrounds,
although they may be found in the campground.
Current Research in the Janzen Lab in the Janzen Lab:
Research is being done on the population structure and density of these snakes.
Past Research in the Janzen Lab:
None.
Kirtland Snake
(Clonophis kirtlandi)
Characteristics:
Dorsal side is reddish brown with dark
rows of spots.
Ventral side is pinkish to red with
dark spots on the edge.
Head is black.
Photo by Jim Harding
Life History:
Kirtland snakes breed in spring and give birth to 5-8 young in late summer. The
young and adults hibernate from fall to spring.
These snakes eat soft-bodied invertebrates such as slugs.
Kirtland snakes are harmless. They are small and rarely bite, although they are
quick to flatten themselves in order to fit into tight places.
Where you’ll see it at Turtle Camp:
This species has only been seen once at Turtle Camp, but if it is seen, it will be
in the woods near the campgrounds.
Current Research in the Janzen Lab:
Trapping for this snake will help determine population structure.
Past Research in the Janzen Lab:
None.
Bull Snake
(Pituophis catenifer)
Characteristics:
Dorsal side varies from a whitish
background color from the head to a
bright yellow on the tail. Blotches
Photo by Jeff LeClere
vary from dark brown to redish. This
gives snake a speckled appearance.
Ventral side is porcelain white to light yellow.
Life History:
Bull snakes emerge from hibernation in April. These snakes breed in May.
They are oviparous, or lay eggs, in late June or July. The eggs hatch in August. Bull
snakes burrow into sandy areas. In October, bull snakes go back into hibernation.
They either hibernate alone or with a variety of different snakes.
Bull snakes are constrictors and primarily eat mammals. They enjoy mice, rats,
voles, ground squirrels, and rabbits. However, they will not pass up birds or eggs.
Their appetite for rodents makes them highly beneficial to farmers.
Although bull snakes try to escape first, they can be quite intimidating when
cornered. Bull snakes assume a “strike” pose, hiss loudly, and shake their tale. Their
bite, while non-venomous, can be hard and swift.
Where you’ll see it at Turtle Camp:
These snakes will mostly be seen in the sand prairie.
Current Research in the Janzen Lab:
Population surveys help to understand density and structure.
Past Research in the Janzen Lab:
None.
Northern Water
Snake
(Nerodia sipedon)
Characteristics:
Dorsal side has a light brown to
reddish ground color with dark brown
bands spanning the entire upper side.
Ventral side is white with dark brown
or black speckles.
Photo by Jeff LeClere
Life History:
Hibernation ends for this species in April and breeding begins in May. Young
are born live in late June or July. Northern water snakes spend most of their time in
or near the water. They enjoy basking on logs and rocks near the shore. These
snakes hibernate with other snakes from October to April.
Northern water snakes hunt both day and night and eat practically anything
they can catch, from fish to baby turtles to leeches to small mammals. They swallow
prey alive and often use their bodies to trap schools of fish.
Often confused with water moccasins (which are not found at Turtle Camp),
these snakes are feared. They are aggressive when captured and bite if they get a
chance. They have an anti-coagulant agent in their saliva, so bites may bleed more
than usual.
Where you’ll see it at Turtle Camp:
These snakes will be commonly seen along the shores of the slough and
Mississippi River.
Current Research in the Janzen Lab:
None.
Past Research in the Janzen Lab:
None.
Fox Snake
(Elaphe vulpina)
Characteristics:
Dorsal side is light to dark brown,
sometimes appearing reddish. Dark
brown to black splotches span the
midline, but do not go all the way to
the edge of the dorsal side.
Ventral side is dirty yellow with
black spots.
Photo by Jeff LeClere
Life History:
During the spring, these snakes are active during the day. When the days
become hotter, Fox snakes are active during the night. They are in hibernation from
October to April. After mating, these snakes lay eggs in June. The babies hatch in
August. Although Fox snakes can climb well, they spend most of their time on the
ground.
These snakes are constrictors and eat small mammals, birds, reptiles, frogs,
and eggs.
Fox snakes are frequently confused with Northern water snakes and Bull
snakes. They are less aggressive than those species. Fox snakes rarely bite, but do
release a musk that resembles Red fox musk.
Where you’ll see it at Turtle Camp:
These snakes can be found around the campground. There is one big female
that is seen every year around the southern end of the nesting area.
Current Research in the Janzen Lab:
None.
Past Research in the Janzen Lab:
None.
Racer
(Coluber constrictor)
Characteristics:
Dorsal side is jet black.
Ventral side is dirty yellow with no
markings.
Head is black, but chin is light yellow to
white.
Photo by Jeff LeClere
Life History:
Racers breed in the spring and lay eggs, which hatch in August. Racers are
active even when it is extremely hot. On cooler days, racers often hide under rocks
and other cover. Racers are the fastest snakes in Iowa; they rapidly seek a burrow to
hide in when threatened.
Racers are voracious eaters. They have been known to consume small
mammals, reptiles, frogs, eggs, and birds. They do not constrict their prey, but use
their strong bodies to pin their prey against burrows.
These snakes usually seek cover, but when cornered, they will strike.
Where you’ll see it at Turtle Camp:
Racers are found at the sand prairie.
Current Research in the Janzen Lab:
Racers are caught, marked, and measured to understand population dynamics.
Past Research in the Janzen Lab:
None.
Six-lined
Racerunner
(Cnemidophorus sexlineatus)
Characteristics:
Males have a ground color of greenish
yellow with six dark stripes. The head
may have blue.
Females have a ground color of light
brown, with six dark stripes.
Photo by Lori
Life History:
Racerunners don’t emerge from hibernation until May, when they breed. The
eggs are laid in shallow burrows and hatch in August. Racerunners are very active
throughout most of the day, occasionally going into their burrows when it gets too
hot. These lizards are extremely fast and are difficult to catch. Their tails also
detach as a form of diversion. They return to hibernation in late August or
September.
Racerunners eat invertebrates such as beetles and crickets. They use their
strong jaws to mash up the invertebrate before swallowing.
Where you’ll see it at Turtle Camp:
Racerunners are very common in the sand prairie.
Current Research in the Janzen Lab:
None.
Past Research in the Janzen Lab:
The sand prairie population has been examined in detail.
Bullfrog
(Rana catesbeiana)
Characteristics:
Dorsal side varies from a light green
to a dark brown. Occasionally, they
have a heavy spotted pattern.
Ventral side is white or yellowish.
Photo by Jeff LeClere
Life History:
Bullfrogs become active in
April, but begin breeding in June and July. Female bullfrogs lay between 10,000 and
20,000 eggs in the water. These frogs stay close to their home area. Bullfrogs overwinter in the mud.
Male bullfrogs call during breeding season. Their call sounds like “A deep
rum.” Males also emit a high-pitched call when startled.
Bullfrogs eat anything that fits into their mouth, including baby turtles, fish,
birds, and frogs. Introduced populations of bullfrogs can decimate the local frog
population because of their huge appetite.
It is legal to “spear” or “hook” bullfrogs starting in June.
Where you’ll see it at Turtle Camp:
Bullfrogs are in the slough and along its shore.
Current Research in the Janzen Lab:
None.
Past Research in the Janzen Lab:
None.
Northern Leopard
Frog
(Rana pipiens)
Characteristics:
Dorsal side has a background color of
green, with light yellow stripes down
the sides. The back and legs have dark
spots.
Ventral side is white.
Photo by Jeff LeClere
Life History:
Northern leopard frogs breed in April or May. A female lays 3,000-5,000 eggs.
Tadpoles mature into froglets in 3 months. The males produce a low snoring sound,
followed by a chuckling noise.
These frogs eat invertebrates, such as insects and slugs.
Where you’ll see it at Turtle Camp:
Leopard frogs can be seen around the campground and in the slough.
Current Research in the Janzen Lab:
None.
Past Research in the Janzen Lab:
None.
American Toad
(Bufo americanus)
Characteristics:
Dorsal side has a ground color of
brown, sometimes with some red or
green. Dark brown to black spots
cover the back and legs. A light
broken line runs down the vertebrae.
Ventral side is light with black
speckles.
Photo by Jeff LeClere
Life History:
Toads breed in April and May. Females release about 20,000 eggs into the
water. During hot periods, toads bury themselves underground. Yet during wet
periods, they are very active. Males make a call that sounds like a high-pitched trill.
It may last for 30 seconds.
Toads eat insects and invertebrates.
Where you’ll see it at Turtle Camp:
Toads are frequently seen throughout the campground.
Current Research in the Janzen Lab:
None.
Past Research in the Janzen Lab:
None.