The largest contingency of turtles in Michigan belong to the Emydidae family of reptiles. Emydidae turtles are often known as "pond turtles," since many of the family's species live in semi-aquatic or aquatic habitats. All Emydidae turtles have some sort of webbing on their feet, which makes them proficient swimmers. In the Wolverine State, this family features six species of turtles. Among the Emydidae turtles are three semi-aquatic species: Blanding's turtle, the spotted turtle and the red-eared slider; these turtles spend an equal amount of time on water and land. The northern map turtle, painted turtle, eastern box turtle and wood turtle round out the Emydidae species of turtles.
Also known as musk turtles, the Kinosternidae family of turtles are known for emitting a foul odor when they feel threatened. The origin of the odor comes from a scent gland at the rear section of its shell. Michigan is home to one Kinosterniadae species, the common musk turtle (Sternotherus odoratus). The common musk turtle has a light gray coloration and highly domed shell. Common musk turtles walk at the bottom of lakes and streams when looking for food; most turtles swim when they are foraging.
The Chelydridae reptile family represents the world's snapping turtles. Michigan is home to one Chelydridae turtle, the common snapping turtle (Chelydra serpentina). Common snapping turtles have beaklike mouths and will make a "snapping" noise with their mouths to ward off predators. These turtles employ snapping techniques since they are usually too large to hide in their shells or slip away into water. One of the largest land turtles species, male common snapping turtles may grow up to 20 inches when they are adults.
Trionychiadae, or the softshell turtle family, has one representative in Michigan, the spiny softshell turtle (Apalone spinifera). This turtle is also known as a "leatherback turtle," due to the texture of its shell, and "pancake turtle," since its shell has a pancake shape. Spiny softshell turtles also have cone-shaped spikes on the top surfaces of their shells. Female softshell turtles are larger than male spiny softshells; females grow up to 19 inches, while males stop at 9 inches.