Pseudemys texana (Texas Cooter)
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Pseudemys texana, known as the Texas Cooter, is a freshwater turtle native only to Texas. It’s a peaceful basking turtle that spends much of its time in rivers and streams, often seen sunning itself on rocks or logs. It’s part of the pond slider family but has its own unique traits and range.
Native To These Regions
Texas (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 texana
Common Names
Texas Cooter
Texas River Cooter
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Identification
Description
The Texas Cooter has a dark green to black carapace with light yellow to orange markings. These markings may fade with age. The plastron (bottom shell) is usually yellow and lacks the dark spots seen in similar species. Its head and limbs have fine yellow stripes, and the eyes have a yellow iris with a horizontal bar.
Sexual Dimorphism
Males are smaller with longer claws on their front feet and longer, thicker tails. Females grow larger and have shorter claws.
Check more turtles from the Pseudemys genus
Native Origin and Distribution
Geographical Range
This species is found only in central Texas. It mainly inhabits river systems like the Brazos, Colorado, and Guadalupe Rivers.
Preferred Habitat
Texas Cooters prefer slow-moving or still freshwater bodies like rivers, streams, and large creeks. They need clean water, soft bottoms, and plenty of basking spots such as logs, rocks, or vegetation mats.
Behavior
Feeding Habits
They are mainly herbivorous, feeding on aquatic plants, algae, and sometimes small insects or carrion. Young turtles may eat more animal matter than adults.
Predators
Hatchlings are vulnerable to birds, raccoons, and large fish. Adults have fewer natural predators but may still fall prey to alligators or humans.
Reproduction
Breeding Season
Breeding takes place from spring to early summer, typically between March and July.
Reproductive Method
Females dig nests in sandy or soft soil and lay 6 to 20 eggs per clutch. They may nest several times in one season. The eggs hatch after about 70 to 90 days, depending on temperature.
Conservation
Extinction Status
Not currently listed as endangered. It is considered a species of Least Concern but has a limited range.
Threats
Habitat destruction, water pollution, dam construction, and illegal pet trade can impact their populations.
Conservation Measures
Protecting freshwater habitats, controlling pollution, and regulating turtle trade are key to ensuring their survival.
Economic Importance
They are sometimes sold in the pet trade but have limited commercial value. They may also help control aquatic vegetation in some ecosystems.
Interesting Facts
The Texas Cooter is one of the few turtle species found only in Texas.
Unlike many cooters, its markings become less distinct with age, often making older individuals hard to identify.
They are excellent swimmers and spend most of their time in the water, only leaving to bask or lay eggs.
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.
