The Blanding's turtle has a long head and neck and a bright yellow chin and throat, which can be seen from some distance. It may appear to have a black moustache. This species is semi-aquatic, spending most of its time in shallow water at marsh and pond edges, sloughs and drainage ditches. Blanding's turtles bask on logs and muskrat houses and overwinter in mud at the bottom of marshes and ponds, although activity under ice has been observed.
Good habitat includes a muddy bottom and abundant vegetation.
Breeding occurs in late spring. The male displays his yellow throat to the female during mating. She moves onto land to select a nesting site, which is usually sandy, well drained and exposed to the sun. Formerly widespread, Blanding's turtle is now restricted to several states and provinces in the Upper Midwest. It occurs from Nebraska in the west, east to Michigan, Ontario and Quebec.