chicken turtle

reptile
verifiedCite
While every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies. Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions.
Select Citation Style
Feedback
Corrections? Updates? Omissions? Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login).
Thank you for your feedback

Our editors will review what you’ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article.

Also known as: Deirochelys reticularia

chicken turtle, (Deirochelys reticularia), edible freshwater turtle (family Emydidae) found in the southeastern United States. The chicken turtle has an exceptionally long neck and a finely grooved upper shell covered with an open network of yellowish lines on a brownish background. Shell length is usually about 10 to 15 cm (4 to 6 inches).

The chicken turtle inhabits quiet bodies of water and probably feeds on both animal and vegetable material. It frequently leaves the water and travels about on land.

This article was most recently revised and updated by Amy Tikkanen.