[5] This species inhabits ponds, creeks, swamps, marshes, and other bodies of shallow, slow-moving water.

The yellow pond turtle generally remains in or close to water during the day, but may become more active at night and during rainy weather, when it sometimes ventures onto land.

[5] Research has shown unexpected genetic diversity in M. mutica, raising the possibility that additional subspecies might exist.

[7][8] "Clemmys guangxiensis" is a composite taxon described from specimens of M. mutica and the natural hybrid "Mauremys" × iversoni.

The IUCN considers M. mutica a critically endangered species and it is listed in CITES Appendix II.