Black pond turtle

Black pond turtles prefer bodies of water with dense vegetation that provides them with cover, as well as places to rest and sunbathe. In summer, the turtles usually remain submerged in the water. Alternatively, you may spot them with their heads just peeking out of the water. In winter, they hibernate under bushes, in reeds and amongst dry leaves. 

They do not reach sexual maturity until they are six years old. The females dig a nest up to ten centimetres deep for their eggs. They often choose loamy patches of ground hidden beneath bushes and other plants.

Twice a year, after mating, they lay between 12 and 36 eggs in these nests. The first clutch is often larger than the second.