The second pleural scute has a characteristic C-shaped mark. Hatchlings have a central keel which disappears with age. The skin is olive to brown, with yellow stripes. The plastral pattern tends to fade with age. Males have a broader tail and may have a slightly concave plastron.
Females tend to grow larger than males.
The stripe down the outside of the hind foot is an identifying characteristic. While marked similarly to the river cooter, it lacks the stripe on the hind feet. This is one of the larger subspecies. The carapace is intricately patterned and there is an indentation on the bridge. Plastral pattern is well developed.