Blanding's Turtle

Emdoidea blandingii

Blanding's Turtle is found most commonly in northeastern Illinois. It usually lives near water and in the vegetated parts of lakes, but can also travel long distances over land during its long lifespan, an average of 77 years. It is typically black in color covered by light yellow or gray spots and dashes, with yellow under its chin and throat. Although Blanding's Turtle is fairly common in northern Illinois, it is still listed as threatened in the state, mostly due to habitat destruction.