This specimen is the carapace and plastron of a Painted Turtle (Chrysemys picta). The carapace refers to the dorsal shell, or "back" of the turtle; the plastron refers to the ventral shell, or "stomach" of the turtle. This specimen demonstrates how the spines of turtles are a permanent part of their carapace, or outer shell, as the spine is fused to the ventral side, or inside, of the carapace. The carapace is dark brown in color, with light yellow bands running horizontally. The plastron is a light cream in color; the red flaking is caused by shellacking, which is now peeling away. The specimen measures approximately 16 cm x 10 cm x 5 cm in size.