Based on a study of the mitochondrial DNA, they rejected the glacial development theory and argued that the southern painted turtle should be elevated to a separate species, C. dorsalis, while the other subspecies should be collapsed into one and not differentiated.

This perhaps shows that the turtle prefers small larvae and other prey, but can only obtain significant amounts while young.

[11] The reversal of feeding habits with age has also been seen in the false map turtle, which inhabits some of the same range.

In Arkansas, it branches out to the west towards Texas, where it is found in the far northeast part of that state (Caddo Lake region)[13] as well as extreme southeastern Oklahoma (McCurtain County).

Eastward it is found in western Tennessee, northern Mississippi and much of Alabama, including the Gulf Coast city of Mobile.