The southern painted turtle is native to water bodies in the south-central areas of the United States. It prefers living in shallow waters with muddy bottoms and dense vegetation. So, they can live in lakes, rivers, ponds, wetlands, oxbows, and reservoirs. They are the smallest members of the Chrysemys family and only grow to the maximum length of 6 inches.

They are adaptable as pet turtles. They feed on frogs, fish, algae, snails, duckweed, and crayfish. They prefer living in water areas with muddy or sandy bottoms because it gives them a place to lay their cream-colored eggs. Mating season occurs in late winter and spring seasons, and female turtles can lay up to 20 eggs per clutch.