The southern painted turtle was officially recognized as a separate species from the painted turtle in 2014. Unlike other painted turtles, the southern painted turtle has a distinct reddish-orange stripe down the center of its carapace, also known as its top shell. It is the smallest member of its genus, measuring only 4-6 inches long. As adults, these turtles have very few predators, but their eggs are found and eaten by foxes, raccoons, and otters. As young hatchlings, they are preyed upon by snakes, wading birds, and alligators.