Trachemys scripta elegans (Red Eared Slider)
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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.
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Scientific Classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Testudines
Family: Emydidae
Genus: Trachemys
Species: Trachemys scripta
Subspecies: Trachemys scripta elegans
Common Names
Red-eared slider
Red-eared terrapin
Water slider
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Identification
Description
The red-eared slider has a dark green carapace with yellow markings. The plastron is yellow with dark central blotches. The most noticeable feature is the red stripe behind each eye. Its skin is green with yellow stripes, and older turtles may darken with age.
Sexual Dimorphism
Males are smaller with longer front claws and longer, thicker tails. Females are larger with shorter claws and thinner tails.
Native Origin and Distribution
Geographical Range
Originally from the southern United States, mainly around the Mississippi River and the Gulf of Mexico. It has now spread across the world due to the pet trade, becoming invasive in many areas.
Preferred Habitat
Red-eared sliders prefer slow-moving freshwater bodies like ponds, lakes, marshes, and rivers. They like areas with soft, muddy bottoms and plenty of basking spots such as logs or rocks.
Behavior
Feeding Habits
They are omnivores. Young sliders eat mostly animal matter like insects, fish, and snails. Adults eat more plants, including algae and aquatic vegetation.
Predators
Eggs and hatchlings are eaten by raccoons, birds, fish, and other turtles. Adults have fewer natural predators, but alligators and large birds may attack them.
Reproduction
Breeding Season
Mating typically starts in spring and continues through summer.
Reproductive Method
Females lay eggs in nests dug into soil near water. A clutch can have 5 to 20 eggs. Hatchlings emerge after about 2 to 3 months depending on temperature.
Conservation
Extinction Status
Not endangered. Listed as Least Concern.
Threats
Though they are not threatened in their native range, they cause problems as invasive species elsewhere. Their presence harms native turtles and aquatic ecosystems.
Conservation Measures
Regulations in many countries now limit their import and sale. Some areas are working to remove wild populations. Education campaigns discourage releasing pet sliders into the wild.
Economic Importance
They are widely sold in the pet industry and sometimes used in scientific research. But their invasive nature also causes economic costs in conservation efforts.
Interesting Facts
- They can live for over 30 years in captivity.
- Their name comes from their habit of sliding quickly off rocks into the water.
- They can hold their breath underwater for 30 to 40 minutes while resting.
- They bask for long periods to regulate body temperature and prevent shell infections.
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.
