Minnesota's state reptile is the Blanding's turtle.
Minnesota's Official State Reptile: The Blanding's Turtle
The Blanding's turtle (Emydoidea blandingii) holds the honor of being Minnesota's official state reptile. This distinctive turtle is recognized for its domed, dark carapace often speckled with yellow or tan, and a bright yellow chin and throat. They are semi-aquatic, preferring shallow wetlands, marshes, and slow-moving streams, which are common habitats across parts of Minnesota.
These fascinating creatures are known for their long lifespans, often living for 70 years or more. Unfortunately, Blanding's turtles are considered an endangered or threatened species in many parts of their range due to habitat loss, road mortality, and other environmental pressures. Their designation as Minnesota's state reptile highlights the importance of conservation efforts to protect this unique species and its wetland habitats.
State Reptiles of Select U.S. States
The selection of a state reptile often reflects the unique biodiversity and conservation priorities of a particular region. Here's a look at the state reptiles for Minnesota and a few other U.S. states:
| State | State Reptile | Scientific Name |
|---|---|---|
| Minnesota | Blanding's turtle | Emydoidea blandingii |
| Mississippi | American alligator | Alligator mississippiensis |
| Missouri | Three-toed box turtle | Terrapene carolina subspecies triunguis |
| Nevada | Desert tortoise | Gopherus agassizii |
For more information on state reptiles across the United States, you can refer to comprehensive lists available online, such as the List of U.S. state reptiles on Wikipedia.
