Cutting Loose

Most people who find a turtle in their garden or backyard have no idea whether they are looking at a male or a female. These three differences are visible in seconds with no equipment. 🐢

The three reliable identifiers:

① The plastron (underside shell): males have a concave (curved inward) plastron — this allows them to mount the female during mating. Females have a flat plastron. Pick up the turtle gently and look underneath.

② The tail: males have significantly longer, thicker tails with the cloaca (opening) positioned further from the body. Female tails are short and stubby with the cloaca close to the shell edge.

③ The supracaudal plate (rear shell plate): males have a notched or concave rear plate. Females have a rounded, smooth rear plate.

These differences apply to most common American turtle species — painted turtles, box turtles, and red-eared sliders.

If you find a turtle in your garden — it is almost certainly harmless and doing useful work eating slugs and insects. Leave it where it is.