Pseudemys floridana (Florida Cooter)
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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.
Native To These Regions
Alabama (USA), Florida (USA), Georgia (USA), North Carolina (USA), South Carolina (USA), Virginia (USA)Native Turtle Species Map – Find Turtles by Region
Scientific Classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Testudines
Family: Emydidae
Genus: Pseudemys
Species: P. floridana
Common Names
Florida Cooter
Coastal Plain Cooter
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Identification
Description
Florida cooters have a smooth, oval-shaped shell that ranges from olive to dark brown, often with lighter markings. Their plastron (underside) is usually pale yellow. They have yellow stripes on their legs, neck, and head. Adults can grow up to 15 inches in shell length.
Sexual Dimorphism
Males are smaller with longer, curved claws on the front feet. Females are larger and have shorter claws.
Check more turtles from the Pseudemys genus
Native Origin and Distribution
Geographical Range
This species is found throughout Florida and the coastal plains of Georgia, South Carolina, and parts of southeastern Alabama.
Preferred Habitat
Florida cooters prefer slow-moving freshwater bodies like rivers, swamps, marshes, and ponds. They need areas with soft, muddy bottoms and plenty of aquatic vegetation.
Behavior
Feeding Habits
They are mostly herbivorous, feeding on aquatic plants, algae, and sometimes small invertebrates.
Predators
Young cooters face threats from raccoons, birds, and large fish. Adults have fewer predators but can be preyed on by alligators and humans.
Reproduction
Breeding Season
Breeding occurs in spring and early summer.
Reproductive Method
Females lay clutches of 10–25 eggs in sandy or soft soil near water. They can lay multiple clutches in one season. Hatchlings emerge in late summer or fall.
Conservation
Extinction Status
Least Concern (IUCN)
Threats
Habitat destruction, road mortality, water pollution, and illegal collection for the pet trade or consumption.
Conservation Measures
Protected under various state laws. Conservation efforts include wetland protection, road crossing structures, and educational programs.
Economic Importance
Florida cooters play a role in controlling aquatic vegetation. Some are collected for the pet trade or local consumption, though this is often regulated or discouraged due to sustainability concerns.
Interesting Facts
Florida cooters can hold their breath for over 30 minutes while resting.
They often bask in large groups, sometimes even stacked on top of each other.
They are known to travel long distances over land to find nesting spots or new habitats.
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.
