If you are living in Arizona or you are a turtle enthusiast having curiosity about types of turtles in az is quite natural. Considering other states in the US, Arizona’s environment nurtures several turtle species. The list includes aquatic, terrestrial to desert tortoises.
These creatures are some of the most intriguing living reptiles in the world. They are crucial to the ecosystem of the Southwest in various ways due to their roles in maintaining balance. Moreover, they have perfectly adapted to the environment in Arizona. If you are looking for info about types of turtles in Arizona, here you will get a list of 10 different turtle species from az.
Table of Contents
Overview of Turtle Diversity in Arizona
Several turtle species are surviving well in Arizona. First, many of them thrive in Arizona’s rivers and lakes. The liveliest aquatic turtles in this category are the Painted Turtle and Sonora Mud Turtle. At the same time, the desert part of the country is populated by Agassiz’s Desert Tortoise and Sonoran Desert Tortoise.
Some desert turtles face problems; for example, the tortoises of the Agassiz’s Desert are severely endangered. Thus, the turtles in the area reflect the specifics of Arizona and its special animal world.
Aquatic & Terrestrial Species: Types of Turtles in Arizona
First, we have the list of aquatic and terrestrial turtle types from Arizona.
1. Common Snapping Turtle
First, on our list, we have, the common Snapping Turtle. They are very strong and, and have a dinosaur-like appearance as reptiles. It is mainly aquatic and is an excellent helper in its habitat because it controls the number of food objects.
- Scientific Name: Chelydra serpentina
- Common Name: Common Snapping Turtle
- Family: Chelydridae
- Average Adult Size: 12-15 inches, can grow up to 19 inches
- Life Span: 30–50 years
- Price Range: $25-60
- Conservation Status: Least concern
- Best for: Intermediate owner
2. Painted Turtle
The Painted Turtle is one of the most widespread turtle species in North America and is known for the beautiful yellow stripe on their neck. They are very adaptive to a variety of watery habitats. During warm days, they are commonly seen basking on logs or rock along ponds and marshes.
- Scientific Name: Chrysemys picta
- Common Name: Painted Turtle
- Family: Emydidae
- Average Adult Size: 5-10 inches
- Life Span: 30-40 years
- Price Range: $20-40
- Conservation Status: Least concern
- Best for: Beginner
3. Ornate Box Turtle
Ornate Box Turtles are terrestrial means they are land-dwelling species. They spend most of their time in open woodlands and grasslands. The shell of the Ornate Box Turtle is beautifully patterned in yellow and green. Another thing that is interesting attribute of the Ornate Box Turtle is that it can totally close itself in its shell.
- Scientific Name: Terrapene ornata
- Common Name: Ornate Box Turtle
- Family: Emydidae
- Average Adult Size: 4-6 inches
- Life Span: 30-60 years
- Price Range: $100-500
- Conservation Status: Near threatened
- Best for: Advanced owner
4. Arizona Mud Turtle
Arizona mud turtle is perfectly suited for the desert lifestyle, as it is often found in waters such as rain pools and cattle tanks. They have domed shaped shells and can reach up to 6 inches, meaning 152 mm. They are strong and resilient enough to survive dry weather.
- Scientific Name: Kinosternon arizonense
- Common Name: Arizona Mud Turtle
- Family: Kinosternidae
- Average Adult Size: Up to 6 inches
- Life Span: 20-40 years
- Price Range: $30-70
- Conservation Status: Least concern
- Best for : Intermediate
5. Pond Slider
Pond sliders are versatile and friendly, and you can find them in many urban ponds and lakes in Az. Because of its colorful appearance and ease of maintenance, many owners keep them as pets.
- Scientific Name: Trachemys scripta
- Common Name: Pond Slider
- Family: Emydidae
- Average Adult Size: 5-12 inches
- Life Span: 20-50 years
- Price Range: $25-50
- Conservation Status: Least concern
- Best for: Beginner
6. Yellow Mud Turtle
Yellow Mud Turtles have a dome-shaped shell with yellowish markings. They are terrestrial turtles. This species is known to live in grasslands and sometimes they are also found in watery places and, typically, during the monsoon season.
- Scientific Name: Kinosternon flavescens
- Common Name: Yellow Mud Turtle
- Family: Kinosternidae
- Average Adult Size: Up to 6.5 inches
- Life Span: 15-40 years
- Price Range: $30-80
- Conservation Status: Least concern
- Best For : Beginner
7. Sonora Mud Turtle
Sonora Mud Turtles are native to southern Arizona and are extremely hardy. It is well suited to both aquatic and terrestrial environments and can survive in harsh desert conditions.
- Scientific Name: Kinosternon sonoriense
- Common Name: Sonora Mud Turtle
- Family: Kinosternidae
- Average Adult Size: 5-6 inches
- Life Span: 20-40 years
- Price Range: $40-90
- Conservation Status: Least concern
- Best for: Intermediate owner
8. Spiny Softshell Turtle
The Spiny Softshell Turtle is another distinctive species found in Arizona’s water ecosystems. As the name suggests their shell is soft and leathery, compared to other turtle species.
- Scientific Name: Apalone spinifera
- Common Name: Spiny Softshell Turtle
- Family: Trionychidae
- Average Adult Size: 12-20 inches
- Life Span: 25-50 years
- Average Price Range: $20-50
- Conservation Status: Least Concern
- Best for: Beginner
- Specific Characteristics and Habitat: This turtle is recognized by its flat, flexible shell and extended nose. For camouflage, it buries itself in mud in rivers, streams, and ponds.
Each turtle plays a unique role in maintaining the ecological balance of Arizona’s habitats. In the face of environmental challenges, conservation efforts are vital to ensuring their continued survival.
Types of Desert Tortoise in Arizona
Both Mojave and Sonoran desert tortoises live in Arizona; each species is made to survive in a desert environment. These two types of desert tortoise are the most significant in AZ. Here’s the list of desert tortoise az (Arizona):
1. Agassiz’s Desert Tortoise
The Agassiz’s Desert Tortoise Flourishes in a Super-Harsh Climate of the Mojave Desert. They have unique adaptations that allow them to survive drought dope climates like no other.
- Scientific Name: Gopherus agassizii
- Common Name: Agassiz’s Desert Tortoise
- Family: Testudinidae
- Average Adult Size: Up to 15 inches
- Life Span: 50-80 years
- Average Price Range: Not typically available for sale due to legal protections
- Conservation Status: Threatened
- Habitat and Adaptations: The tortoises live in sandy, arid regions and use burrows to escape extreme temperatures. As they’re good at storing water, they can survive long droughts.
- Best for: Intermediate owner
2. Sonoran Desert Tortoise
Sonoran tortoises are another desert tortoise in arizona. They are adapted to the rocky terrains of the Sonoran Desert in Arizona. They have robust features to adapt in harsh environments.
- Scientific Name: Gopherus morafkai
- Common Name: Sonoran Desert Tortoise
- Family: Testudinidae
- Average Adult Size: Up to 14 inches
- Life Span: 50-80 years
- Average Price Range: Not typically available for sale due to legal protections
- Conservation Status: Least Concern
- Specific Characteristics and Habitat: These tortoises have high-domed shells and sturdy limbs, allowing them to navigate rocky landscapes. They primarily feed on desert plants, playing a role in seed dispersal.
- Best for: Intermediate owner
The existence and activities of these various turtles are vital components in the ecology of Arizona’s habitats where each tortoise performs a different ecological role that allows for habitat equilibrium. However, strong conservation measures are needed to support their persistence under pressure from the environment.
Wrap Up
So, here ends our list of types of turtles in Arizona. The state of Arizona is the land of turtles. You can find all sorts of turtles in Arizona, from the tough desert tortoises like Agassiz’s and Sonoran Desert Tortoises to the aquatic species like Spiny Softshell Turtles.
Not only do these turtles contribute to biodiversity within the state, but they serve particular functions within their ecosystems. For old, grizzled herpetologists and wide-eyed nature enthusiasts alike, Arizona turtles are a window into the world of wildlife.