How does the wood turtle's typical habitat use contrast with many other Emydidae members?

It exhibits strong terrestrial affiliations, traveling far from water sources.

The Family Emydidae largely consists of turtles that are semi-aquatic or freshwater dwellers, spending most of their time in streams, marshes, or bogs. While the wood turtle belongs to this family, it displays a notable behavioral divergence. *Glyptemys insculpta* is known for its strong affiliation with terrestrial environments, often undertaking significant journeys away from water sources. These terrestrial excursions are particularly notable during the spring and fall seasons, when the turtles are engaging in nesting activities or migrating between different habitat types. This ability to exploit both aquatic habitats (like for overwintering) and upland habitats for foraging gives it an evolutionary advantage in landscapes with varied topography.