Eastern River Cooter
Pseudemys concinna

Size:  9 - 13 in (along carapace)
Distribution:
Eastern 1/2 of the state.  River cooters are commonly found in lakes and streams. They are among the largest emydid turtles. They have numerous yellow stripes on their heads, and their carapace is brightly patterned with yellow markings, but tends to fade slightly as the turtle matures. Typical patterns show a light colored, rearward facing "C" on the second costal scute, which is most visible on the juveniles. Plastron is plain (patternless). Probably most easily confused with the red-eared slider, but lacks the red "ear" patch and sliders have dark coloration on their plastrons.
Adult male (long front claws) showing the plain plastron.