Painted turtle - midland? male?

[u/levarfan]

Not Western, I'm thinking midland or possibly southern? Between 1-1.5 years old, 4 inch carapace length, so can the claws reliably indicate male vs female yet? Tail and cloaca location also consistent with male

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[u/SpinySoftshell]

That’s a midland, there’s some faint patterning on the plastron. This turtle looks to be retaining scutes, I’d make sure the lighting is providing sufficient UVB and heat

[u/levarfan → u/SpinySoftshell]

Thanks. We brought him into our home just this afternoon, the previous owner told us he was wild caught in August 2025 as a hatchling. Was already planning to call the vet tomorrow to get him established. Right now we have a 5.0 UVB bulb about 10" above his basking area (mesh screen in between due to indoor cats) and a separate 75 watt heat bulb, basking area temp reads 88.5 degrees. I don't have a device that reads UVB levels yet, but working on it

[u/hct4all]

Looks to be Eastern Painted due to lack pattern on plastron. Not Southern due to lack,of prominent stripe and pattern on carapace. Best I can tell from the pics. What area are you in?

[u/levarfan → u/hct4all]

Northern Indiana. Wouldn't an Eastern have the scutes more in rows across the carapace? That's what's holding me up

[u/hct4all → u/levarfan]

Possibly a hybrid? Or the markings are faint.

[u/hct4all → u/hct4all]

Forgot to mention. I agree with the male assessment

[u/Significant-Star5359]

Is it possible to purchase a beautiful baby like this. Or is it illegal?

[u/levarfan → u/Significant-Star5359]

in the US, pretty sure laws prevent sale of turtles that are smaller than 4 inches