The Wood Turtle (Glyptemys insculpta) is one of the only two turtles in the genus (closely related species), both of which are found solely in North America. It wasn't until 2002 that the Bog Turtle and Wood Turtle were granted their own distinct group. The carapace (shell) of the Wood Turtle reaches lengths of 6 to 9 inches with pyramid-like scutes (plates) that are clearly marked with growth rings. The bottom shell (plastron) is yellow with one large, dark mark on each plate. The head is black, sometimes with yellow markings. The rest of the skin is brown with variable yellow to red colors on the throat, neck, tail, and legs. This turtle was named because of the rich brown color of its shell looking like wood.

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