Eastern Painted Turtle Egg - Chrysemys picta picta

I frequently find turtle eggs that have been predated upon. In this case, the damage was probably done by a red fox (Vulpes vulpes). The egg had been carried away from the disturbed nest and had one large hole in the side with edges folded inward.

Painted turtle nests are vase-shaped and are usually dug in sandy soil within 200 m of water. The female digs with her hind feet. She lubricates the area with urine, and once the nest is complete, she deposits eggs into the hole. The freshly laid eggs are white, elliptical, and flexible.

Habitat: River's edge; deciduous forest