AnimaliaHighest rank in taxonomy. Groups all life into domains: Animalia, Plantae, Fungi, etc.IUCN NTInternational Union for Conservation of Nature — the world authority on species extinction risk, using standardized criteria. — Near Threatened — close to qualifying as Vulnerable. Requires ongoing monitoring.ApprovedCurrent stage of this record in the editorial review workflow. Recent Sighting
Rhinoclemmys pulcherrima
Painted Wood Turtle
Gray, 1863
Detailed Texts Multi-lang
A very attractive terrestrial to semi-aquatic turtle, characterized by the vibrant red or yellow markings on its skin and geometric patterns on its shell.
Added by
Anonymous Curator
Reviewed by
Julia Trouin
Last modified by
Julia Trouin
TaxonomyBiological classification ranks placing this species within the tree of life, from Kingdom down to Genus.
PhylumRank below Kingdom. Groups organisms sharing a fundamental body plan (e.g., Chordata = vertebrates and some invertebrates).Chordata
ClassRank below Phylum. Subdivides by structural traits (e.g., Mammalia, Aves, Reptilia, Insecta).Reptilia
OrderRank below Class. Groups related families sharing common ancestry (e.g., Carnivora, Primates).Testudines
FamilyRank below Order. Groups closely related genera (e.g., Felidae = cats, Canidae = dogs).Geoemydidae
GenusRank just above Species. The first word in the two-part binomial scientific name.Rhinoclemmys
Taxonomic AuthorityThe scientist who first formally described and published this species, followed by the year of publication.Gray, 1863
Record Completeness
61%Coming soon
Ecology & StatusHow this species lives: habitat preferences, diet, behavior, population status, and role in its ecosystem.
OriginWhether the species is native (evolved here), endemic (found only here), or introduced by human activity.
Native
Population TrendDirection of change in population size over time: increasing, stable, decreasing, or unknown.
Stable
Breeding SeasonTime of year when this species typically reproduces or flowers.
Year Round
Trophic RolePosition in the food chain: producer, herbivore, carnivore, omnivore, decomposer, or parasite.
Omnivore
Recent SightingsWhether this species has been observed in the wild in Costa Rica within recent years.
Yes
Habitat SummaryOverview of the specific ecosystems and environments where this species is found in Costa Rica. Multi-lang
Inhabits mainly tropical dry forests, scrublands, and areas near seasonal water sources.BehaviourDaily activity patterns, movement, territory use, foraging style, and seasonal behavioral changes. Multi-lang
Diurnal; active mainly during the morning and evening on the forest floor.Social ActivitySocial structure: whether the species is solitary, paired, or colonial; hierarchy and communication. Multi-lang
Solitary; usually show avoidance behaviors toward conspecifics outside of breeding season.Feeding GuildWhat the species eats, how it forages or hunts, and its role as a consumer in the food web. Multi-lang
Terrestrial forager; walks considerable distances in the forest searching for food.Trophic Chain DetailsSpecific interactions in local food webs: prey species, predators, competitors, and scavengers. Multi-lang
Omnivore; feeds on fallen fruits, insects, worms, and plants.Reproductive BehaviourMating strategies, courtship displays, nesting or spawning behavior, and parental care. Multi-lang
Oviparous; deposits eggs in shallow nests in the leaf litter.Physical Measures
Length (cm)
12.0 - 20.0 cm
Weight (Grams)
300 g - 700 g
Offspring per cycleTypical number of young (live births, eggs, or seeds) produced by one adult in a single reproductive event or breeding season.1 - 4
Sexual DimorphismObservable physical differences between males and females of the same species (e.g., size, coloration, features).Yes
Lifespan
Sexual MaturityAge at which the individual becomes capable of reproducing for the first time.
4 - 6 Years
Gestation / IncubationDuration from fertilization to birth (mammals) or to hatching (egg-laying species).
100 - 130
Lifespan EstimatedExpected duration of life from birth to natural death under wild conditions.
Males--
Females--
Sexual DimorphismPhysical differences in size, coloration, or morphology between males and females of this species.
Males Multi-lang
Males with slightly concave plastron and longer tail.
Females Multi-lang
Females larger and with flat plastron.
Evolutionary AdaptationsInherited traits and behaviors that improve the species' survival and reproduction in its specific environment. Multi-lang
Cryptic and decorative coloration: Its bright colors aid in intraspecific recognition, while shell patterns aid in camouflage in the forest.
Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang
Habitat loss due to agriculture and illegal pet trafficking due to its striking appearance.
Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang
It is one of the few Central American turtles that spends much of its time out of the water, preferring the forest floor.