This turtle is easily distinguished by its bright yellow chin and a mouth that curves up into what appears to be a smile. Unlike other Ontario turtles, which have wide, flatter shells, the Blanding’s turtle has a domed shell that resembles an army helmet. Blanding’s turtles can live to be 80 years old in the wild and take 14–20 years to reach sexual maturity. Some females only reach maturity after 25 years. Nesting takes place during the month of June.