Pseudemys nelsoni (Florida Red-bellied Cooter)
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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.
Native To These Regions
Florida (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. nelsoni
Common Names
Florida Red-bellied Cooter
Florida Red-bellied Turtle
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Identification
Description
This turtle has a dark green to black carapace with orange to red vertical striping. Its plastron (bottom shell) is a standout, colored in shades of red or orange. The skin is dark with yellow lines running across the limbs, neck, and head.
Sexual Dimorphism
Males are smaller with longer claws and a longer, thicker tail. Females grow larger, often reaching up to 14 inches in shell length, while males stay closer to 9–11 inches.
Check more turtles from the Pseudemys genus
Native Origin and Distribution
Geographical Range
Native to Florida and southern Georgia. It is mostly found in the Florida peninsula but has been introduced to other southeastern states.
Preferred Habitat
The species lives in freshwater bodies like slow-moving rivers, swamps, lakes, and marshes with dense vegetation. It prefers soft, sandy bottoms and clear waters for easy basking and feeding.
Behavior
Feeding Habits
Mainly herbivorous as adults, feeding on aquatic plants, algae, and fruits. Hatchlings and juveniles may eat small insects and snails.
Predators
Eggs and hatchlings fall prey to raccoons, birds, fish, and snakes. Adults have fewer predators but can be attacked by alligators and large birds of prey.
Reproduction
Breeding Season
Mating starts in early spring and continues through summer. Nesting peaks from May to July.
Reproductive Method
Females lay 6–30 eggs in sandy soil near water. They often choose unusual nesting spots, like alligator nests, to protect their eggs. Incubation lasts about 2–3 months.
Conservation
Extinction Status
Least Concern according to the IUCN.
Threats
Habitat loss, water pollution, road mortality, and illegal pet trade affect their numbers. Nest predation by raccoons and fire ants is also common.
Conservation Measures
Protected in many areas of Florida. Public awareness campaigns and road-crossing tunnels are used in some regions to reduce turtle deaths.
Economic Importance
This turtle is occasionally sold in the pet trade. It also plays a role in ecotourism, as people enjoy watching them in nature reserves and parks.
Interesting Facts
- Unlike many turtles, they often use alligator nests to lay eggs.
- They are strong swimmers but spend lots of time basking.
- Can live over 30 years in the wild.
- Their bright plastron helps distinguish them from other Pseudemys species.
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.
