Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Ok, I finally dusted off the camera and used it...poorly. My dreams of taking professional macrophotos are very far away, but I thought someone might enjoy these anyway.

I haven't seen tons of Western Pond turtles, but I'm fortunate enough to own the prettiest one I've ever seen.

Nice western, he is very light compared to mine and his shell is more carved out like a wood turtle. Is that a more southern variety, mine is much darker, smoother shell. Here is a pic, one again nice pacific.

Thanks, nice picture!

I really wish that I could have two distinct lines...A. m. marmorata and A. m. pallida. Unfortunately, most breeders on the East coast have no clear idea of where their turtles originated. The guy that I got this one from has had them since before they were officially divided into subspecies. He's cultivated a line for hardiness and quick growth. He suspects that they are intergrades.

The picture is a little deceptive. This turtle actually has an extremely smooth shell. In fact, most of the Westerns that I've seen have really lumpy shells. Yours does look smooth, though.

I have two other young Westerns that are the more typical coloration and shyness. They're overcoming an illness, and I don't want to stress them out with pictures.

Thanks for the reply.