Part of successfully keeping and breeding spotteds is understanding and having the right habitat for them. I have been fortunate of finding spotteds in their natural habitats in a few different states and have other spotted enthusiasts send pictures of them in the wild. Pictures were taken for educational purposes. Taking animals out of the wild should never be encouraged. I did not disclose the states and areas these pictures were taken to protect these populations. Enjoy and hopefully these will help you create the perfect spotted habitat of your own.

Wild male spotted basking.

Next four pictures are other parts of the marsh he was photographed in.

Female found in the same habitat.

Spotteds are often found in vernal pools along the edges of the water.

Found this male in there and a couple others not pictured.

This is typical spotted habitat. They stick to the shallow water and bury down under the mud during the warm days or just have the top of their shells basking out from the mud. They forage in the mid morning and evenings.

Mating behavior. There were two females and a male involved.

Here is a different habitat in another state.

Found this little guy in there.