Can you identify these Illinois turtles?

T. Trimpe 2008 http://sciencespot.net/

http://www.chicagoherp.org/herps/species.htm

Snapping Turtle

Painted Turtle

Smooth Softshell

River Cooter

Eastern Box Turtle

Slider

Alligator Snapping Turtle

http://www.chicagoherp.org/herps/species.htm

1 – Snapping Turtle

2 – Eastern Box Turtle

3 – Smooth Softshell

4 – River Cooter

5 – Alligator Snapping Turtle (T)

6 – Slider

7 – Painted Turtle

Many Native Americans share the knowledge of the thirteen moons on a turtle’s back or carapace. There are thirteen large segments which represent the thirteen moons which make up the lunar year. By counting the smaller segments around the lower edge of the shell, you will find there are 28, which represents the 28 days between new moons.

http://www.rootsweb.com/~mosmd/turtle.htm

http://www.nrc-cnrc.gc.ca/education/images/cdnskies/moon-cyc.gif

Thirteen Moons on a Turtle’s Back