Observations of a possible cleaning symbiosis between Painted Turtles, Chrysemys picta, and Snapping Turtles, Chelydra serpentina, in central Ontario

Painted Turtles (Chrysemys picta) were observed removing chlorophytic algae and leeches (Placobdella spp.) from Snapping Turtles (Chelydra serpentina) in a pond in central Ontario. We propose that a facultative mutualistic association exists between the two species in that the Painted Turtles derive a nutritional benefit from the leeches and algae and the Snapping Turtles benefit by having parasites removed. This may be the first reported instance of a cleaning symbiosis between species of reptiles.