Pseudemys alabamensis (Alabama Red-bellied Turtle)
Home > Turtle Database > 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.
Native To These Regions
Alabama (USA)Native Turtle Species Map – Find Turtles by Region
Scientific Classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Testudines
Family: Emydidae
Genus: Pseudemys
Species: Pseudemys alabamensis
Common Names
Alabama red-bellied turtle
Alabama red-bellied cooter
This Hilarious Turtle Book Might Know Your Pet Better Than You Do
Let’s be real—most turtle care guides feel like reading a textbook written by a sleep-deprived zookeeper.
This one’s not that.
Told from the snarky point of view of a grumpy, judgmental turtle, 21 Turtle Truths You’ll Never Read in a Care Guide is packed with sarcasm, sass, and surprisingly useful insights.
And hey—you don’t have to commit to the whole thing just yet.
Grab 2 free truths from the ebook and get a taste of what your turtle really thinks about your setup, your food choices, and that weird plastic palm tree.
It’s funny, it’s honest, and if you’ve ever owned a turtle who glares at you like you’re the problem—you’ll feel seen.
Identification
Description
This turtle has a dark, olive-to-black carapace with faint, yellowish stripes and a bright reddish-orange plastron. Its head and limbs show yellow striping, and the jaw area has pale yellow markings. Adults can grow up to 15 inches in length.
Sexual Dimorphism
Males are generally smaller with longer, thicker tails and longer claws on their forelimbs. Females are larger, especially during breeding season.
Check more turtles from the Pseudemys genus
Native Origin and Distribution
Geographical Range
This species is restricted to the Mobile-Tensaw River Delta and nearby waters in southern Alabama and parts of southeastern Mississippi.
Preferred Habitat
It prefers slow-moving freshwater environments like swamps, marshes, rivers, and ponds with abundant vegetation. They are often seen basking on logs and prefer areas with soft, muddy bottoms.
Behavior
Feeding Habits
Alabama red-bellied turtles are mostly herbivorous, feeding on aquatic plants, algae, and sometimes small invertebrates.
Predators
Eggs and hatchlings are often eaten by raccoons, birds, and fish. Adults face fewer natural threats but are still vulnerable to humans and road traffic.
Reproduction
Breeding Season
Breeding occurs in late spring and early summer. Nesting typically takes place from May to July.
Reproductive Method
Females lay 4–11 eggs in sandy or soft soil close to the water. The eggs incubate for around 70–100 days, depending on the temperature.
Conservation
Extinction Status
Listed as Endangered under the U.S. Endangered Species Act.
Threats
Major threats include habitat loss, road mortality (especially of nesting females), predation of nests, and limited distribution.
Conservation Measures
Measures include protected areas, road-crossing barriers near nesting zones, and public education programs to raise awareness. Captive breeding and nest protection efforts are also in place.
Economic Importance
This species has little to no commercial value. However, its endangered status has led to funding and job creation in conservation and research.
Interesting Facts
- It’s Alabama’s official state reptile.
- It was one of the first turtles in the U.S. to receive federal protection due to its limited range and population decline.
- Some road signs in Alabama specifically warn drivers about crossing red-bellied turtles during nesting season.
About Author
Muntaseer Rahman started keeping pet turtles back in 2013. He also owns the largest Turtle & Tortoise Facebook community in Bangladesh. These days he is mostly active on Facebook.
