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Genus: Pseudemys

Pseudemys is a genus of large, herbivorous freshwater turtles found in North America. These turtles are commonly called cooters and are known for their smooth, oval shells and strong swimmers. They often bask on logs and are most active during the day.
  • Pseudemys rubriventris (Northern Red-bellied Cooter)

    The Northern Red-bellied Cooter is a freshwater turtle known for its striking red plastron and smooth, dark carapace. It’s one of the largest native pond turtles in the northeastern United States and is especially notable for its endangered status in some regions. Scientific Classification Kingdom: AnimaliaPhylum: ChordataClass: ReptiliaOrder: TestudinesFamily: EmydidaeGenus: PseudemysSpecies: Pseudemys rubriventris Common Names…

  • Pseudemys peninsularis (Peninsula Cooter)

    Pseudemys peninsularis, or the Peninsula Cooter, is a freshwater turtle known for its striking patterns and calm behavior. It’s often seen basking in sunny spots across Florida’s wetlands and rivers. This species is a favorite among local nature watchers due to its size and social nature. Scientific Classification Kingdom: AnimaliaPhylum: ChordataClass: ReptiliaOrder: TestudinesFamily: EmydidaeGenus: PseudemysSpecies:…

  • Pseudemys nelsoni (Florida Red-bellied Cooter)

    Pseudemys nelsoni, or the Florida Red-bellied Cooter, is a freshwater turtle known for its bright reddish plastron and calm nature. It’s often seen basking in the sun across the southeastern United States, especially in Florida. Scientific Classification Kingdom: AnimaliaPhylum: ChordataClass: ReptiliaOrder: TestudinesFamily: EmydidaeGenus: PseudemysSpecies: P. nelsoni Common Names Florida Red-bellied CooterFlorida Red-bellied Turtle Identification DescriptionThis…

  • Pseudemys gorzugi (Rio Grande Cooter)

    Pseudemys gorzugi, also called the Rio Grande Cooter, is a freshwater turtle mostly found in the southwestern United States and parts of Mexico. It’s known for its colorful shell markings and love for sunbathing on riverbanks. Scientific Classification Kingdom: AnimaliaPhylum: ChordataClass: ReptiliaOrder: TestudinesFamily: EmydidaeGenus: PseudemysSpecies: P. gorzugi Common Names Rio Grande CooterWestern River Cooter Identification…

  • Pseudemys floridana (Florida Cooter)

    Pseudemys floridana, known as the Florida cooter, is a large, freshwater turtle native to the southeastern United States. It’s known for its smooth, olive-brown shell and fast swimming abilities in rivers and ponds. Scientific Classification Kingdom: AnimaliaPhylum: ChordataClass: ReptiliaOrder: TestudinesFamily: EmydidaeGenus: PseudemysSpecies: P. floridana Common Names Florida CooterCoastal Plain Cooter Identification DescriptionFlorida cooters have a…

  • Pseudemys concinna (Eastern River Cooter)

    The Eastern River Cooter is a large, freshwater turtle commonly found in rivers and streams across the southeastern United States. It is known for its striking shell patterns and herbivorous diet, often seen basking on logs or rocks near water. Scientific Classification Kingdom: AnimaliaPhylum: ChordataClass: ReptiliaOrder: TestudinesFamily: EmydidaeGenus: PseudemysSpecies: Pseudemys concinna Common Names Eastern River…

  • Pseudemys alabamensis (Alabama Red-bellied Turtle)

    The Alabama red-bellied turtle is a freshwater turtle species native to the Mobile-Tensaw Delta region. It’s known for its striking red plastron and is considered one of the most endangered turtles in the United States. Scientific Classification Kingdom: AnimaliaPhylum: ChordataClass: ReptiliaOrder: TestudinesFamily: EmydidaeGenus: PseudemysSpecies: Pseudemys alabamensis Common Names Alabama red-bellied turtleAlabama red-bellied cooter Identification DescriptionThis…