European pond turtle

The European pond turtle (Emys orbicularis), also known as the swamp turtle, is a freshwater turtle found from the Ural Mountains across Europe and into northwestern Africa. It is primarily aquatic and omnivorous. The upper shell of the European pond turtle is typically brownish or blackish with yellow speckling and reaches about 12–13 cm (5 inches) in length. A distinguishing feature is its hinged plastron, though it usually cannot close its shell completely. The European pond turtle belongs to the family Bataguridae, and like other turtles, it is a reptile encased in a bony shell composed of a carapace (top) and plastron (bottom).12