Native Turtles In Alabama
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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…
Trachemys scripta elegans (Red Eared Slider)
The red-eared slider is one of the most recognized freshwater turtles in the world. Its striking red stripe behind each eye makes it easy to spot. This turtle is popular in the pet trade and often seen basking on logs in ponds and lakes. Scientific Classification Kingdom: AnimaliaPhylum: ChordataClass: ReptiliaOrder: TestudinesFamily: EmydidaeGenus: TrachemysSpecies: Trachemys scriptaSubspecies:…
Trachemys grayi (Gray’s Slider)
Trachemys grayi, also known as Gray’s Slider, is a freshwater turtle found primarily in Central America. It’s closely related to the more well-known Red-Eared Slider and shares many of its behaviors but is geographically more restricted. Scientific Classification Kingdom: AnimaliaPhylum: ChordataClass: ReptiliaOrder: TestudinesFamily: EmydidaeGenus: TrachemysSpecies: Trachemys grayi Common Names Gray’s SliderMesoamerican Slider Identification DescriptionGray’s Slider…
Terrapene carolina major (Gulf Coast Box Turtle)
The Gulf Coast Box Turtle (Terrapene carolina major) is the largest subspecies of the Common Box Turtle, known for its robust size and highly domed shell. Found along the Gulf of Mexico’s coastal regions, it thrives in humid environments and exhibits strong terrestrial tendencies while occasionally wading in shallow waters. Scientific Classification Kingdom: AnimaliaPhylum: ChordataClass:…
Terrapene carolina carolina (Eastern Box Turtle)
The Eastern Box Turtle (Terrapene carolina carolina) is a small, terrestrial turtle known for its high-domed shell and ability to close itself completely using a hinged plastron. Native to the eastern United States, it is a long-lived species often found in forests and grasslands, where it thrives in humid environments. Scientific Classification Kingdom: AnimaliaPhylum: ChordataClass:…
Terrapene carolina triunguis (Three-toed Box Turtle)
Terrapene triunguis, commonly known as the Three-toed Box Turtle, is a subspecies of the common box turtle found in the central and southern United States. It is named for the three toes on its hind limbs, distinguishing it from other box turtle species. This terrestrial turtle is known for its high-domed shell and secretive nature,…
Terrapene carolina (Common Box Turtle)
Terrapene carolina, commonly known as the Common Box Turtle, is a terrestrial species native to North America. Recognized for its domed shell and hinged plastron, it can completely close itself inside for protection. This turtle is known for its long lifespan, sometimes exceeding 100 years. Scientific Classification Kingdom: AnimaliaPhylum: ChordataClass: ReptiliaOrder: TestudinesFamily: EmydidaeGenus: TerrapeneSpecies: T….
Sternotherus peltifer (Stripeneck musk turtle)
Sternotherus peltifer, known as the stripe-neck musk turtle, is a small freshwater turtle native to parts of the southeastern United States. It is best known for the thin, light-colored stripes running down its neck, which make it easy to recognize among other musk turtles. Scientific Classification Kingdom: AnimaliaPhylum: ChordataClass: ReptiliaOrder: TestudinesFamily: KinosternidaeGenus: SternotherusSpecies: Sternotherus peltifer…
Sternotherus odoratus (eastern musk turtle)
Sternotherus odoratus, known as the eastern musk turtle, is a small aquatic turtle found in eastern North America. It’s famous for the strong, foul odor it releases when threatened, which led to its nickname “stinkpot.” This hardy species thrives in various freshwater habitats and is known for its secretive nature. Scientific Classification Kingdom: AnimaliaPhylum: ChordataClass:…
Sternotherus minor (Loggerhead Musk Turtle)
Sternotherus minor, known as the Loggerhead musk turtle, is a small freshwater turtle found in the southeastern United States. It gets its name from its large, broad head, which is much larger in proportion to its body compared to other musk turtles. Its strong jaws help it feed on hard-shelled prey in its river and…
Sternotherus intermedius (Aliflora musk turtle)
Sternotherus intermedius, also known as the Aliflora musk turtle, is a small aquatic turtle species recently identified within the musk turtle family. It belongs to the Sternotherus genus and is closely related to other musk turtles, but it stands out due to its distinct physical features and limited distribution. Scientific Classification Kingdom: AnimaliaPhylum: ChordataClass: ReptiliaOrder:…
Sternotherus depressus (Flattened Musk Turtle)
Sternotherus depressus, also known as the Flattened Musk Turtle, is a small freshwater turtle found only in a limited area of Alabama, USA. Its flattened shell helps it hide under rocks in fast-flowing streams, making it well-adapted to life in clear, rocky waters. Scientific Classification Kingdom: AnimaliaPhylum: ChordataClass: ReptiliaOrder: TestudinesFamily: KinosternidaeGenus: SternotherusSpecies: depressus Common Names…
Malaclemys terrapin (Diamondback Terrapin)
Malaclemys terrapin, commonly known as the Diamondback Terrapin, is a brackish water turtle native to the coastal regions of the United States. Known for its unique diamond-patterned carapace, this species thrives in marshy habitats and plays a vital ecological role. Scientific Classification Kingdom: AnimaliaPhylum: ChordataClass: ReptiliaOrder: TestudinesFamily: EmydidaeGenus: MalaclemysSpecies: M. terrapin Common Names Diamondback TerrapinSaltwater…
Macrochelys temminckii (Alligator Snapping Turtle)
Macrochelys temminckii, commonly known as the alligator snapping turtle, is one of the largest freshwater turtles in the world. Known for its prehistoric appearance, it thrives in the rivers and swamps of the southeastern United States. Scientific Classification Kingdom: AnimaliaPhylum: ChordataClass: ReptiliaOrder: TestudinesFamily: ChelydridaeGenus: MacrochelysSpecies: M. temminckii Common Names Alligator snapping turtleLoggerhead snapping turtle Identification…
Kinosternon subrubrum (Eastern Mud Turtle)
The Eastern Mud Turtle (Kinosternon subrubrum) is a small, semi-aquatic turtle known for its adaptability and inconspicuous nature. Its unassuming shell and secretive behavior make it a fascinating species native to the southeastern United States. Scientific Classification Kingdom: AnimaliaPhylum: ChordataClass: ReptiliaOrder: TestudinesFamily: KinosternidaeGenus: KinosternonSpecies: subrubrum Common Names Eastern Mud Turtle, Common Mud Turtle Identification DescriptionEastern…
Graptemys pulchra (Alabama map turtle)
The Alabama map turtle (Graptemys pulchra) is a freshwater turtle species native to the southeastern United States. Known for the intricate map-like markings on its carapace, this turtle is a distinctive member of the family Emydidae. Scientific Classification Common Names Identification Description The Alabama map turtle has a brown to olive carapace adorned with light-colored,…
Graptemys ouachitensis (Ouachita Map Turtle)
The Ouachita Map Turtle (Graptemys ouachitensis) is a freshwater turtle native to the central United States. Recognizable by the intricate, map-like patterns on its shell and distinctive yellow markings, this species thrives in rivers and streams with abundant basking sites. Scientific Classification Common Names Identification Description The Ouachita Map Turtle features a keeled carapace with…
Graptemys nigrinoda (Black-knobbed Map Turtle)
The Black-knobbed Map Turtle is a small to medium-sized freshwater turtle native to the southeastern United States. Renowned for the distinctive black knobs along its shell’s central ridge, this species exhibits unique physical characteristics and behaviors that make it a fascinating subject of study for herpetologists and nature enthusiasts alike. Scientific Classification Common Names Identification…
Graptemys geographica (Common Map Turtle)
Graptemys geographica, commonly known as the Common Map Turtle, is a freshwater turtle species native to North America. Renowned for the intricate, map-like patterns on its shell, this turtle is a captivating inhabitant of rivers and streams across the eastern United States and southeastern Canada. Scientific Classification Common Names Identification Description The Common Map Turtle…
Graptemys ernsti (Escambia Map Turtle)
The Escambia Map Turtle (Graptemys ernsti) is a medium-sized freshwater turtle native to the southeastern United States. Recognized for its intricately patterned shell resembling a topographic map, this species inhabits a limited range, making it of particular interest to conservationists and herpetologists alike. Scientific Classification Common Names Identification Description The Escambia Map Turtle features an…
Graptemys barbouri (Barbour’s Map Turtle)
Barbour’s Map Turtle (Graptemys barbouri) is a freshwater turtle species native to the southeastern United States. Named in honor of American herpetologist Thomas Barbour, this turtle is recognized for its distinctively patterned shell and the prominent spines along its back, resembling a topographic map. Scientific Classification Common Names Identification Description Barbour’s Map Turtle is a…
Gopherus polyphemus (Gopher Tortoise)
The Gopher Tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus) is a land-dwelling reptile known for its burrowing habits and its vital role in the ecosystem, providing shelter to hundreds of other species. Primarily found in the southeastern United States, this tortoise is a keystone species with significant ecological importance. Scientific Classification Common Names Identification DescriptionThe Gopher Tortoise has a…
Deirochelys reticularia (Chicken Turtle)
Deirochelys reticularia is commonly known as the chicken turtle due to its long neck resembling that of a chicken. It’s a semi-aquatic species, often found in slow-moving waters and known for its distinctive reticulated shell pattern, which is where it gets its scientific name. Scientific Classification Common Names Identification Native Origin and Distribution Preferred Habitat…
Chelydra serpentina (Common Snapping Turtle)
Chelydra serpentina, commonly known as the common snapping turtle, is a large freshwater turtle native to North America. This species is known for its powerful jaws and aggressive behavior when out of the water, although it prefers to avoid confrontation in its natural habitat. Scientific Classification Common Names Identification Description The common snapping turtle has…
Clemmys guttata (Spotted Turtle)
Clemmys guttata, commonly known as the spotted turtle, is a small, semi-aquatic turtle that is easily recognizable by its distinctive yellow spots against a dark carapace. This species is known for its gentle disposition and striking appearance. Scientific Classification Common Names Identification Native Origin and Distribution Preferred Habitat Spotted turtles prefer shallow, muddy-bottomed water bodies…
Chrysemys picta (Painted Turtle)
Chrysemys Picta, commonly known as the painted turtle, is renowned for its strikingly colorful markings on its extremities, neck, and shell. These turtles are small to medium in size and are one of the most widely distributed turtle species in North America. Scientific Classification Common Names Identification Native Origin and Distribution Preferred Habitat Painted turtles…
Apalone spinifera (Spiny softshell turtle)
Apalone spinifera, commonly known as the spiny softshell turtle, is a unique species of softshell turtle that is notable for its leathery carapace and spiny projections along the front edge. This turtle is adapted to a life predominantly in water, displaying a streamlined body for efficient swimming. Scientific Classification Common Names Identification Description Apalone spinifera…
Apalone mutica (Smooth softshell turtle)
Apalone mutica, commonly known as the smooth softshell turtle, is a species of softshell turtle in the family Trionychidae. It is characterized by its smooth, leathery shell and snorkel-like nose, which are adaptations for its aquatic lifestyle. Scientific Classification Common Names Identification Description Smooth softshell turtles have a flat, round, leathery carapace that lacks scutes…
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