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Western Pond Turtle

Western Pond Turtle line art illustration (click image to enlarge)

Western Pond Turtle full color illustration (click image to enlarge)

Artist's notes:

The Western Pond Turtle was completed on 1.17.2011. This was a 're-do' from an earlier image, in fact it was one that one a contest run by Reptiles Magazine. However, I felt the style no longer matched the rest of my illustration library, and I feel this pose of the Pond Turtle is more accurate to how you might encounter them in the wild. You can see the 'legacy' drawing below in the postcard and magnet. The drawing is based on a photo by Andrew Engilis, Jr. - who is the Curator Museum of Wildlife and Fish Biology University of California at Davis.

Information about the Western Pond Turtle:

The Western Pond Turtle, also called the Pacific Pond Turtle, is a medium sized turtle that lives on the western coast of North America, ranging from Washington state to the northern part of Baja California. It is the sole member of the genus Clemmys. These turtles are found in marshes, streams, rivers, lakes and ponds. The tend to inhabit areas where there are boulders and rocks to bask on. When disturbed they will quickly drop into the water to avoid danger. The Western Pond Turtle is omnivorous and will eat both plants and aquatic or semi-aquatic prey such as fish, tadpoles and frogs.