Though rarely studied it is believed that female specimens of the same species from different geographical locations range in size to make up for shorter or longer mating and laying seasons. Females for example of eastern painted turtles may be larger in MA and other New England states due to the shorter summer and therefore must lay more eggs at once. In the southern areas they can lay more than once, for some species 3 or more times a year, and do not need to lay as many eggs at once so they tend to stay smaller.