What texture defines the *Glyptemys insculpta* carapace scutes?
Answer
Noticeably ridged, often appearing sculptured or pyramidal
The defining visual characteristic of the wood turtle's shell, or carapace, is the texture of its individual plates, known as scutes. These scutes possess pronounced ridges which give the entire shell surface a rugged, stacked, sculptured, or notably pyramidal look. This rough texture contrasts significantly with the smooth surface of the plastron (the underside shell) and helps distinguish the species from many other aquatic turtles. This ruggedness is a key identification feature alongside its distinctive coloration.
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