Missouri Department of Conservation
Missouri Department of Conservation

Taxonomy

Common Name: TURTLE, BLANDING'S

Phylum: CHORDATA

Class: REPTILIA

Order: TESTUDINES

Family: EMYDIDAE

Genus: EMYDOIDEA

Species: BLANDINGII

Taxonomic Authority: (HOLBROOK)

Taxonomy References: 018 , 028 , 001

Status

NONGAME
STATE ENDANGERED
STATE RANK S1
GLOBAL RANK G4

Status References: 023 , 006 , 007

Habitat Summary

"Occur in marshes, waterholes, sloughs, streams, and ponds with mud, silt or organic bottom and moderate to dense vegetation. Nest in grassland."

Primary Habitat: "Wetland matrix"

References: 002 , 008 , 009 , 013

Distribution

General Occurrence in State:

"Occurs in extreme northeast corner of the state *02*. Sightings in 1990 and 1991 in St. Charles county on Busch Conservation Area *03*"

County Occurance

County Occurence
Known Likely Unknown Not Likely Historic Extirpated
CLARK ADAIR ANDREW
HOLT KNOX ATCHISON
ST. CHARLES LEWIS AUDRAIN
MARION BARRY
MONROE BARTON
PIKE BATES
PUTNAM BENTON
RALLS BOLLINGER
SCHUYLER BOONE
SCOTLAND BUCHANAN
SHELBY BUTLER
CALDWELL
CALLAWAY
CAMDEN
CAPE GIRARDEAU
CARROLL
CARTER
CASS
CEDAR
CHARITON
CHRISTIAN
CLAY
CLINTON
COLE
COOPER
CRAWFORD
DADE
DALLAS
DAVIESS
DEKALB
DENT
DOUGLAS
DUNKLIN
FRANKLIN
GASCONADE
GENTRY
GREENE
GRUNDY
HARRISON
HENRY
HICKORY
HOWARD
HOWELL
IRON
JACKSON
JASPER
JEFFERSON
JOHNSON
LACLEDE
LAFAYETTE
LAWRENCE
LINCOLN
LINN
LIVINGSTON
MACON
MADISON
MARIES
MCDONALD
MERCER
MILLER
MISSISSIPPI
MONITEAU
MONTGOMERY
MORGAN
NEW MADRID
NEWTON
NODAWAY
OREGON
OSAGE
OZARK
PEMISCOT
PERRY
PETTIS
PHELPS
PLATTE
POLK
PULASKI
RANDOLPH
RAY
REYNOLDS
RIPLEY
SALINE
SCOTT
SHANNON
ST. CLAIR
ST. FRANCOIS
ST. LOUIS
STE. GENEVIEVE
STODDARD
STONE
SULLIVAN
TANEY
TEXAS
VERNON
WARREN
WASHINGTON
WAYNE
WEBSTER
WORTH
WRIGHT

References for distribution: 026 , 029 , 002 , 003 , 015 , 016 , 022

Distribution by Watersheds

Des Moines R.
Wyaconda R.
Cuivre R.
Dardenne Creek
Mo. R. from Nishnabotna R. to Nodaway R.
Mo. R. from Gasconade R. to Miss. R.

Comments: "Likely to occur in units listed, based on county occurrence."

Distribution by Ecoregions

Central Till Plains

Comments: ""

Distribution by Potential Natural Vegetation

Oak-Hickory Forest

Distribution by Natural Divisions of Missouri

Glaciated Plains: Western
Glaciated Plains: Eastern
Big Rivers: Upper Missouri
Big Rivers: Upper Mississippi
Big Rivers: Lower Mississippi
Ozark Border: Missouri River

Habitat Associations

Species is associated with "Terrestrial/Aquatic" habitats.

National Wetlands Inventory Association:

Lacustrine
Palustrine
Riverine

Aquatic Associations:

"See Comments"
"Lacustrine, littoral", "Aquatic bed, all subclasses"
"Lacustrine, littoral", "Unconsolidated bottom, mud"
"Lacustrine, littoral", "Unconsolidated bottom, organic"
"Palustrine", "Aquatic bed, all subclasses"
"Palustrine", "Emergent, all subclasses"
"Palustrine", "Scrub/shrub, broad-leaved deciduous"
"Riverine, lower perennial", "Aquatic bed, all subclasses"
"Riverine, lower perennial", "Unconsolidated bottom, mud"
"Riverine, lower perennial", "Unconsolidated bottom, organic"

References for Aquatic Associations: 024 , 002 , 003 , 008 , 009 , 013 , 021

Habitat Types:

Waterhole
Pond, Lake, Reservoir
Marsh
Permanent Stream
Perennial Grass (Warm season)
Perennial Grass (cool-season)

References for Habitat Types: 002 , 003 , 004 , 008 , 009 , 013 , 017 , 021

Terrestrial Natural Communities:

Prairie
Wetland
Marshes
Freshwater Marsh
Pond Marsh

References for Terrestrial Natural Communities: 002 , 003 , 008 , 009 , 013 , 017

Food Habits

Trophic Level:

"Omnivore"

Larval Food Habits

Comments for larval food habits:
""

References for larval food habits:

Juvenile Food Habits

Juvenile diet similar to adult's; Not Specified

Comments for Juvenile Food Habits:
""

References Juvenile Food Habits 003

Adult Food Habits

Plants; Bole/Stem
Plants; Leaves/Needles
Plants; Fruit/Seeds
Algae; All of plant
Osteichthyes (bony fishes); Egg stage
Lepidoptera (butterflies); Larva stage
Salientia (frogs, toads, peepers, tree frogs); Larva stage
Insects Insects; Larva stage
Odonata (dragonflies, damselflies); Larva stage
Hemiptera (water bugs, water boatmen, stink bugs); Not Specified
Coleoptera (beetles); Not Specified
Diptera (flies, midges, mosquitos, gnats); Not Specified
Osteichthyes (bony fishes); Not Specified
Amphibians; Not Specified
Birds; Not Specified
Bivalve molluscs; Not Specified
Snails; Not Specified
Malacostraca (lobster, shrimp, crayfish, crabs); Not Specified
Carrion; Not Specified
Aquatic Insects; Not Specified
Terrestrial Insects; Not Specified
Gramineae (grass); Not Specified
Oligochaetes (earthworms); Not Specified
Molluscs; Not Specified
Salientia (frogs, toads, peepers, tree frogs); Adult Stage

Comments for Adult Food Habits:
""

References Adult Food Habits 010 , 013 , 020

Niche Requirements

Egg Niche Requirements

References for egg niches requirements:

Feeding Larvae Niche Requirements

References for feeding larvae niche requirements:

Resting Larvae Niche Requirements

References for resting Larvae niche requirements:

Feeding Juvenile Niche Requirements

Bottom type: mud or silt
Bottom type: sand
Bottom type: organic debris
Aquatic vegetation: sedge (Carex)
Aquatic vegetation specified in comments(00120)
Density of aquatic vegetation: moderate
Density of aquatic vegetation: dense
Current velocity: no noticable current
Current velocity: slow current
Floodplain
Water depth specified in comments(00230)
Inland wetlands: marsh
Inland wetlands: waterhole or temporary pool
Inland wetlands: slough, bayou
Inland wetlands: permanent stream
Inland wetlands: pond, lake, reservoir
Inland wetlands specified in comments(00250)

References for feeding juvenile niche requirements: 024 , 008 , 009 , 010 , 013 , 021

Resting Juvenile Niche Requirements

Inland wetlands: marsh
Inland wetlands: permanent stream
Inland wetlands: pond, lake, reservoir
Leaf litter/ground debris specified in comments(00460)
Downed logs specified in comments(00660)
Stumps specified in comments(00720)

References for resting juvenile niche requirements: 025 , 002 , 008 , 009 , 010

Breeding Adult Niche Requirements

Water temperature specified in comments(00010)
Soil type: sandy soil
Successional stage: stable prairie/grassland
Successional stage: subclimax grassland
Successional stage: climax grassland
Successional stage specified in comments(00370)
Distance to water specified in comments(00430)

References for feeding Adult niche requirements: 024 , 008 , 014 , 017

Feeding Adult Niche Requirements

Water temperature specified in comments(00010)
Bottom type: mud or silt
Bottom type: organic debris
Density of aquatic vegetation: moderate
Density of aquatic vegetation: dense
Current velocity: no noticable current
Current velocity: slow current
Floodplain
Water depth specified in comments(00230)
Inland wetlands: marsh
Inland wetlands: waterhole or temporary pool
Inland wetlands: slough, bayou
Inland wetlands: permanent stream
Inland wetlands: pond, lake, reservoir
Inland wetlands specified in comments(00250)
Size of continuous wetland specified in comments(00366)

References for feeding adult niche requirements: 024 , 008 , 009 , 010 , 013 , 017

Resting Adult Niche Requirements

Water temperature specified in comments(00010)
Bottom type: mud or silt
Bottom type: organic debris
Density of aquatic vegetation: moderate
Density of aquatic vegetation: dense
Current velocity: no noticable current
Current velocity: slow current
Floodplain
Water depth specified in comments(00230)
Inland wetlands: marsh
Inland wetlands: waterhole or temporary pool
Inland wetlands: slough, bayou
Inland wetlands: permanent stream
Inland wetlands: pond, lake, reservoir
Inland wetlands specified in comments(00250)
Size of continuous wetland specified in comments(00366)

References for resting adult niche requirements: 024 , 008 , 009 , 010 , 013 , 017 , 019

Niche Requirement Summary

Aquatic vegetation specified in comments(00120)
Aquatic vegetation: sedge (Carex)
Bottom type: mud or silt
Bottom type: organic debris
Bottom type: sand
Current velocity: no noticable current
Current velocity: slow current
Density of aquatic vegetation: dense
Density of aquatic vegetation: moderate
Distance to water specified in comments(00430)
Downed logs specified in comments(00660)
Floodplain
General habitat association specified in comments(00270)
Inland wetlands specified in comments(00250)
Inland wetlands: marsh
Inland wetlands: permanent stream
Inland wetlands: pond, lake, reservoir
Inland wetlands: slough, bayou
Inland wetlands: waterhole or temporary pool
Leaf litter/ground debris specified in comments(00460)
Size of continuous wetland specified in comments(00366)
Soil type: sandy soil
Stumps specified in comments(00720)
Successional stage specified in comments(00370)
Successional stage: climax grassland
Successional stage: stable prairie/grassland
Successional stage: subclimax grassland
Water depth specified in comments(00230)
Water temperature specified in comments(00010)

Comments about Life History:

Code Comment
016 Nest flask-shaped, approximately 7" deep, opening diameter 3-4" *08*.
007 Breed April-early June *16*. In MI and ME, eggs laid in June *11,24,27*. In MI, nesting begins late May-early June, is significantly correlated with mean April temperature *14*. In IL, nest late May and June *19*. Nest dates in ME June 13-20 *24*.
013 Some nest site fidelity was observed in ME *24*.
011 In ME nests were found in soil-filled cracks in bedrock, dirt/brush piles, a gravel road, and a livestock pen. Nests were located 70-410 m from water (average 242 m) *24,27*, and round-trip nesting trips lasted 3-17 days *24*.
017 Incubation approximately 2.5 months *03*. In MI study, incubation average 84 days *14*, in ME 68-118 days *24,27*.
018 In MI, clutch 3-15, average 10 *14*. Clutch 6-15 *08,16*, average 8 *08*, 5-11, average 8.5 *24*.
022 In MA, males mature at plastron length 180-190 mm *12*. Females mature at plastron length 160-162 mm *14*. The smallest gravid female observed in ME study was 192 mm long *24*.
028 In WI, activity centers average .56 acres for females, .57 acres for males. Activity centers of males and females overlapped. *17*. In IL study, individual activity centers seldom exceeded 2 ha *19*. In WI, females moved average distance of 56 m/day, males average 21 m/day *17*.
030 Are active late March - early October *16*. In IL, late March - late October or early November. Are active diurnally from 0530 to 2230 hours *19*. May be active year-round in OH *10*. Juveniles leave nest in fall and overwinter in marshes, ponds or streams. Do no overwinter in nest because they have a limited tolerance for freezing in soil. *25*. Nesting activity occurs in the evening *14* or at night *24*.
035 Predators include many fish, birds and mammals *08*. 82% of nest mortality is due to predators. Raccoons and foxes are most common nest predators *14*.
099 Can live 30-40 years *12*. In MI study, nest success 22% *14*. May be seen wandering on land in wet areas *09,12*, but are primarily aquatic, with any terrestrial activity occurring chiefly in spring *19*. Egg failure in ME due to infertility, arrested development, and invertebrate predation *24,27*.

Life History Information

Home range size specified in comments(028)
Periodicity specified in comments(030)
Regulatory factors specified in comments(035)
Other life history information specified in comments(099)
Origin in state: native
Seasonal distribution in state: all seasons
Foraging strategy: grazing
Foraging strategy: stalking
Foraging sites: water
Breeding season specified in comments(007)
Display site: water
Nest/den site: hole in the ground
Nest/den site specified in comments(011)
Nest/den/spawning site tenacity specified in comments(013)
Nest dimensions specified in comments(016)
Gestation/incubation period specified in comments(017)
Clutch/litter size specified in comments(018)
Number of broods/litter per year: one
Number of broods/litter per year: two
Development of young at birth/hatching: precocial
Parental care of young: no care
Age at sexual maturity specified in comments(022)
Sex ratio: 1:1
Basking site: logs
Basking site: stumps
Basking site: ground

Comments about Life History:

Code Comment
016 Nest flask-shaped, approximately 7" deep, opening diameter 3-4" *08*.
007 Breed April-early June *16*. In MI and ME, eggs laid in June *11,24,27*. In MI, nesting begins late May-early June, is significantly correlated with mean April temperature *14*. In IL, nest late May and June *19*. Nest dates in ME June 13-20 *24*.
013 Some nest site fidelity was observed in ME *24*.
011 In ME nests were found in soil-filled cracks in bedrock, dirt/brush piles, a gravel road, and a livestock pen. Nests were located 70-410 m from water (average 242 m) *24,27*, and round-trip nesting trips lasted 3-17 days *24*.
017 Incubation approximately 2.5 months *03*. In MI study, incubation average 84 days *14*, in ME 68-118 days *24,27*.
018 In MI, clutch 3-15, average 10 *14*. Clutch 6-15 *08,16*, average 8 *08*, 5-11, average 8.5 *24*.
022 In MA, males mature at plastron length 180-190 mm *12*. Females mature at plastron length 160-162 mm *14*. The smallest gravid female observed in ME study was 192 mm long *24*.
028 In WI, activity centers average .56 acres for females, .57 acres for males. Activity centers of males and females overlapped. *17*. In IL study, individual activity centers seldom exceeded 2 ha *19*. In WI, females moved average distance of 56 m/day, males average 21 m/day *17*.
030 Are active late March - early October *16*. In IL, late March - late October or early November. Are active diurnally from 0530 to 2230 hours *19*. May be active year-round in OH *10*. Juveniles leave nest in fall and overwinter in marshes, ponds or streams. Do no overwinter in nest because they have a limited tolerance for freezing in soil. *25*. Nesting activity occurs in the evening *14* or at night *24*.
035 Predators include many fish, birds and mammals *08*. 82% of nest mortality is due to predators. Raccoons and foxes are most common nest predators *14*.
099 Can live 30-40 years *12*. In MI study, nest success 22% *14*. May be seen wandering on land in wet areas *09,12*, but are primarily aquatic, with any terrestrial activity occurring chiefly in spring *19*. Egg failure in ME due to infertility, arrested development, and invertebrate predation *24,27*.

References for life history: 024 , 025 , 027 , 002 , 003 , 008 , 009 , 011 , 012 , 014 , 016 , 017 , 019

Management

Beneficial Management Practices:

Grassland - prohibit grazing
Water - develop/maintain lakes/ponds
Water - develop/maintain wetlands
Water - develop/maintain freshwater marsh
Water - control pollution (thermal, physical, chemical)
Water - establish/maintain basking logs near shore
Grassland - develop and maintain water holes, ponds, potholes, etc.

Beneficial Management References: 003 , 008 , 009 , 013

Adverse Managment Practices:

Water - application of herbicides
Water - application of pesticides
Water - application of insecticides
Water - dredging and filling
Water - control water levels
Water - navigational improvements (channelization, dams, locks)
Water - stream channelization
Water - drainage of wetlands, marshes, ponds, lakes

Adverse Management References: 003 , 008 , 009 , 013

Comments on Management:
Should maintain natural habitat conditions, including a diverse native plant community, with normal water fluctuations in swamps, marshes and oxbow lakes. Drawdown and moist soil management are generally detrimental. providing basking logs near shore will enhance marshes, swamps and oxbow lakes. *03* historic turtle nesting sites should be identified and protected. Turtles are slow to respond to change and have difficulty moving to a new site if an historic site is lost or altered. *03* should maintain wetland complexes with a variety of wetland sites: permanent pools, seasonal pools, forested swamps *24*.

References for Management Comments: 024 , 030 , 003

References

Reference Code Citation
001 Unpb Missouri Department Of Conservation. Checklist Of Amphibians And Reptiles. Po Box 180. Jefferson City, Mo. 65102.
002 Anderson, P. 1965. The Reptiles Of Missouri. Univ. Missouri Press, Columbia, Mo. 330pp.
003 Unpb Johnson, Tom R. Mo Dept. Conserv. Po Box 180. Jefferson City, Mo. 65102. (573)751-4115.
004 Kelly, G. (Ed.) 1986. Animal Habitat Relations Handbook. Mo Dept. Of Conservation and U.S.D.A. Forest Service. Jefferson City, Mo. 293 Pp.
005 Thom, R.H. and J.H. Wilson. 1980 The Natural Divisions Of Missouri. Trans. Mo Acad. Sci. 14:9-24.
006 The Wildlife Code of Missouri. Missouri Department of Conservation, P.O. Box 180, Jefferson City, MO 65102. 573-751-4115.
007 Rare And Endangered Species Checklist Of Missouri. 1997. MO Dept. Of Conservation. Natural Heritage Database. 33 Pp.
008 Ernst, C.H. and R.W. Barbour. 1972. Turtles Of The United States. The Univ. Press Of Kentucky, Lexington. 347 Pp.
009 Carr, A. 1952. Handbook Of Turtles. Comstock Publishing Associates. Cornell Univ. Press. Ithaca. 542pp.
010 Conant, R. 1938. The Reptiles Of Ohio. Am. Midl. Nat. 20(1):1-200.
011 Gibbons, J.W. 1968. Observations On The Ecology And Population Dynamics Of The Blanding's Turtle, Emydoidea Blandingi. Can. J. Zool 46:288-290.
012 Graham, T.E. and T.S. Doyle. 1977. Growth And Population Characteristics Of Blanding's Turtle, Emydoidea Blandingii, In Massachusetts. Herpetologica 33(4):410-414.
013 Lagler, K.F. 1943. Food Habits And Economic Relations Of The Turtles Of Michigan With Special Reference To Fish Management. Am. Midl. Nat 29(2):257-312.
014 Congdon, J.D., D.W. Tinke, G.L. Breitenbach, and R.C. Van Loben Sels. 1983. Nesting Ecology And Hatching Success In The Turtle Emydoidea Blandingi. Herpetologica 39(4):417-429.
015 Unpb Missouri Department of Conservation Heritage Database. P.O. Box 180, Jefferson City, Mo 65102.
016 Johnson, T.R. 2000. The Amphibians And Reptiles Of Missouri, 2nd. Ed. Missouri Dept. Of Conservation. Jefferson City, Mo. 400 Pp.
017 Ross, D.A. and R.K. Anderson. 1990. Habitat Use, Movements And Nesting Of Emydoidea Blandingi In Central Wisconsin. J. Herp. 24:6-12.
018 Collins, J.T. (Ed.). 1990. Standard Common And Current Scientifc Names For North American Amphibians And Reptiles, 3rd Ed. Soc. For The Study Of Amphibians and Reptiles, Herp. Cir. No. 19. 41 Pp.
019 Rowe, J.W. and E.O. Moll. 1991. A Radiotelemetric Study Of Activity And Movements Of The Blanding's Turtle (Emydoidea Blandingii) In Northeastern Illinois. J. Herp. 25:178-185.
020 Rowe, J.W. 1992. Dietary Habits Of The Blanding's Turtle (Emydoidea Blandingii) In Northeastern Illinois. J. Herp. 26:111-114.
021 Pappas, M.J. and B.J. Brecke. 1992. Habitat Selection Of Juvenile Blanding's Turtles, Emydoidea Blandingii. J. Herp. 26:233-234.
022 Powell, R., T.R. Johnson and D.D. Smith. 1993. New Records Of Amphibians And Reptiles In Missouri For 1993. Missouri Herp. Assoc. Newsletter 6:3-7.
023 Missouri Natural Heritage Program. 2004. Missouri Species and Communities of Conservation Concern Checklist. Missouri Department Of Conservation. Jefferson City, Missouri. 47 Pp.
024 Unpb Joyal, L.A. 1996. Ecology Of Blanding's (Emydoidea Blandingii) And Spotted (Clemmys Guttata) Turtles In Southern Maine: Population Structure, Habitat Use, Movements And Reproductive Biology. M.S. Thesis, Univ. Maine. 158 Pp.
025 Packard, G.C., M.J. Packard and J.W. Long. 2000. Why Hatchling Blanding's Turtles Don'T Overwinter Inside Their Nest. Herpetologica 56(3):367-374.
026 Daniel, R.D. and B.S. Edmond. 2001. New And Previously Unreported Records Of Amphibians And Reptiles From Missouri For 2001. Mo Herp. Assoc. Newsletter 14:7-12.
027 Joyal, L.A., M. Mccollough and M.L. Hunter, Jr. 2000. Population Structure And Reproductive Ecology Of Blanding's Turtle (Emydoidea Blandingii) In Maine, Near The Northeastern Edge Of Its Range. Chelonian Conserv. and Biol. 3(4):579-588.
028 Crother, B.I. (Ed.). 2008. Scientific and standard English names of amphibians and reptiles of North America north of Mexico, with comments regarding confidence in our understanding (6th ed.). Society for the study of amphibians and reptiles. Herpetological Circular No. 37.
029 Daniel, R.E. and B.S. Edmond. 2002. Revised county distribution maps of amphibians and reptiles of Missouri. MO Herp. Assoc. Newsletter 15:16-38.
030 Berry, R.B. and D.J. Germano. 2003. Difference in habitat use by Blanding turtles, Emydoidea blandingii, and painted turtles, Chysemys picta, in the Nebraska Sandhills. Am. Mid. Nat. 149: 241-244.