Painted turtle size Explained & Compared With Others

Last Updated on April 11, 2023 by Amin Tawar

Painted Turtle Length

Painted turtle size

Painted turtles are a type of freshwater turtle found in North America. They are named for the brightly colored patterns on their shells and skin, which can range from shades of yellow, orange, and red to black and olive green. 

Also, did you know that these turtles are semi-aquatic, spending much of their time in the water but also basking on land? They are found in a variety of habitats, including ponds, marshes, and slow-moving streams.

If we look at their size in terms of their length, Painted turtles are small to medium in size, with an average length of 13–25 cm (5–10 in) long. However, the exact size of a painted turtle can vary depending on several factors, including its age, gender, and subspecies.

Male painted turtles tend to be smaller than females and have longer claws on their front legs, which they use to court females during mating season. In general, male painted turtles are about 7-8 inches in length, while females can reach lengths of 8-12 inches or more. 

Painted Turtle LengthCentimeter Feet
Average 13–25 cm0.4-0.8 ft
Male18-20 cm0.5-0.6 ft
Female 20-30 cm0.6-1 ft

Painted Turtle Weight

Did you know that painted turtles have a built-in scale? Their shells are made up of a series of plates called scutes, and the size and weight of these scutes can give an indication of the turtle’s overall size and health.

Painted turtles have an average weight of 11-18 ounces (311-510 grams), with males generally being on the smaller end of this range and females being on the larger end. For instance, males have a weight of 300 g (11 oz) and females of 500 g (18 oz). However, as with length, the exact weight of a painted turtle can vary depending on factors such as age, gender, and subspecies.

It is important for painted turtles to maintain a healthy weight, as being too heavy or too thin can affect their overall health and well-being. 

If you have a painted turtle as a pet, it is important to monitor its weight and provide a balanced diet to help it maintain a healthy size.

Painted Turtle weight Grams Ounce
Average 300-500 gram11-18 oz
Male300 gram11 oz
Female 500 gram18 oz

Painted Turtle Egg & Clutch Size

Moving on from their size, let’s talk about the young ones of the Painted Turtles and specifically of their egg and clutch size. 

Painted turtles lay eggs in nests that they dig on land, usually in sandy or soft soil near the water’s edge. 

They typically lay their eggs in the late spring or early summer, and the eggs take about 60-80 days to hatch, depending on the temperature of the soil.

Painted turtles are known for laying relatively small clutches, with an average of 4-10 eggs per clutch. 

However, the exact number of eggs per clutch can vary depending on the age and size of the female turtle, as well as the availability of resources and environmental conditions.

In terms of their size, the eggs of painted turtles are small and oval-shaped, with a thin, leathery shell. They are about the size of a jellybean, measuring about 1.5-2.0 cm in length and 0.7-1.0 cm in width. 1

Painted Turtle Baby Size

Now that we have discussed the size of adult Painted turtles, how can we miss discussing the size of their young counterparts? Painted turtle hatchlings are small and vulnerable, measuring about 1.5-2.5 inches in length and weighing less than an ounce at hatching. They have a delicate, transparent shell and are often covered in a thin, jelly-like substance called the amnion.

Painted turtle hatchlings are more mobile and active than adult turtles, and they are able to swim and move around soon after hatching. However, they are still vulnerable to predation and face many challenges as they try to establish themselves in their environment.

As they grow and mature, painted turtles undergo a process called ontogenetic size dimorphism, in which males and females grow at different rates and eventually reach different sizes. 

Male painted turtles tend to remain smaller and more slender than females, while females tend to grow larger and have a more robust body shape. Moreover, it can take several years for painted turtle hatchlings to reach their adult size.

Painted Turtle Max Size

The average size of species is representative of the entire species, but what about those who are on the extreme ends of the size charts? Depending on several factors such as habitat, lifestyle, and diet, certain Painted turtles can be way larger and heavier than the average. 

The largest painted turtle is likely to be an adult female of one of the subspecies, as females are generally larger than males. The maximum size that they can reach up to is 13–30 cm (5–12 in) long in length while their maximum weight is unknown. 

Painted Turtle Size Compared To Human

Painted turtle size compared with human

Have you ever seen a painted turtle up close? These charming and colorful reptiles are a common sight in many parts of North America, and they are known for their bright patterns of yellow, orange, red, black, and olive green. 

While they may seem small and unassuming, painted turtles have a long history and an important place in the natural world.

Painted turtles are significantly smaller than humans, with an average length of 13–25 cm (0.4-0.8 ft) and a weight of 300-500 grams (11-18 oz). 

On the other hand, average humans are 5.5 to 5.9 feet and 132 to 176 pounds (60 to 80 kgs). 

Adult painted turtles are typically about the size of a small to medium-sized dinner plate, while hatchlings are only about the size of a jellybean at hatching. 

Despite their small size, painted turtles are tough and adaptable creatures that have been around for millions of years.

Animal type Length Weight 
Painted turtle 13–25 cm (0.4-0.8 ft)300-500 grams (11-18 oz)
Average adult human 5.5 to 5.9 feet132 to 176 pounds (60 to 80 kgs)

Painted Turtle Size Vs Snapping Turtle Size Comparison

Painted turtle size compared with snapping turtle

Did you know that painted turtles and snapping turtles are often mistaken for one another? These two species are both freshwater turtles that are native to North America, and they have a similar appearance and habitat preference. However, there are some key differences between the two species, including their size and behavior.

Painted turtles are small to medium in size, with an average length of 13–25 cm (0.4-0.8 ft) and a weight of 300-500 grams (11-18 oz). They have a smooth, flat shell that is oval-shaped and slightly domed, and their skin and shell are brightly colored with patterns of yellow, orange, red, black, and olive green.

Snapping turtles, on the other hand, are much larger than painted turtles, with an average length of 28.5 cm (11.2 in) and a weight of 4500–1600 grams (9.9–35.3 lb) or more. They have a large, heavy shell that is triangular in shape and rough to the touch, and their skin is dark brown or black.

Animal type Length Weight 
Painted turtle 13–25 cm (0.4-0.8 ft)300-500 gram (11-18 oz)
Snapping Turtle28.5 cm (11.2 in) 4.5–16 kg (9.9–35.3 lb)

Painted Turtle Size Vs Red Eared Slider Size Comparison

Have you ever seen a painted turtle and a red-eared slider side by side? These two species of turtles are often confused with one another, as they are both commonly kept as pets and have similar appearances. However, there are some key differences between the two species, including their size, habitat preference, and behavior.

Painted turtles are small to medium in size, with an average length of 13–25 cm (0.4-0.8 ft) and a weight of 300-500 grams (11-18 oz). 

Red-eared sliders, on the other hand, are larger than painted turtles, with an average length of 5-9 inches (13-23 cm) and a weight of 550 grams (1.2 lbs) or more. Overall, they both are almost the same size.

Animal type Length Weight 
Painted turtle 13–25 cm (0.4-0.8 ft)300-500 gram (11-18 oz)
Red-Eared Slider  5-9 inches (13-23 cm) 550 grams.

Conclusion

And that was everything you need to know about the size of a Painted Turtle. I hope this article was informative enough and your queries were answered.

Thank You For Reading!

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