The Natural History of the Turtles of Iowa with Terry VanDeWalle

Event Summary

Turtles are arguably the most beloved of the reptiles.  Many cultures around the world revere them, and people love to see them basking on log in the sun or swimming in the lake or stream. Iowa has 13 turtle species, ranging from the colorful ornate box turtle to the large snapping turtle. This talk will answer the question, “What is a reptile?”, discuss the features that make turtles unique, and provide an overview of the natural history of each of Iowa’s turtle species.

Terry is a Senior Principal Biologist at Stantec Consulting Services Inc. with over 30 years of experience specializing in animal and natural areas surveys, herpetology, threatened and endangered species surveys, Endangered Species Act Consultation, and coordination of environmental impact statements and assessments. He is also an Adjunct Professor at Hawkeye Community College where he teaches a course on Wildlife Ecology.  

Terry specializes in herpetology and is a recognized expert in the Midwest who has authored and co-authored peer-reviewed papers and regional herpetological guides, including The Natural History of the Snakes and Lizards of Iowa, and the recently published, The Natural History of the Turtles of Iowa. Each book takes an in-depth look at the natural history of a specific group of Iowa reptiles. Each species account includes a sampling of the common names the species has been known by in the past, the first specimens collected in the state, and a brief history of the early Iowa literature related to the species, along with a complete description, and discussions of similar species, distribution, habitat, behavior, threats, foods and feeding, and reproduction. Terry will have signed copies of both books available for purchase.

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