Asian yellow pond turtle

Description

The yellow pond turtle (Mauremys mutica),is a medium-sized (to 19.5 cm),semi-aquatic turtle in the family Geoemydidae.This species has a characteristic broad yellow stripe extending behind the eye and down the neck;the carapace ranges in color from grayish brown to brown and the plastron is yellow or orange with black blotches along the outer edges.It is found in East Asia,ranging from central Vietnam,north through the coastal provinces of south and central China.Additional insular populations are found in Taiwan,Hainan,Ryukyu Islands,and Japan.The Japanese populations are believed to have been introduced as a result of imports from Taiwan.