Details
Trachemys scripta
The red-eared slider is a freshwater turtle recognized by the red patch behind each eye. Hardy and adaptable, it has spread far beyond its native range.
Map: Ecoregions 2017 © RESOLVE (CC BY 4.0) · Natural Earth (PD)
Native to the Nearctic, it has been introduced in Palearctic and Indomalayan regions and elsewhere. Ponds, rivers, canals, and basking sites are key.
Shell length 13-30 cm; weight 200 g-2 kg. The greenish-brown shell is striped, and a red band sits behind the eye. Webbed feet aid swimming.
Diurnal and loosely social, it basks on logs and rocks. When alarmed it slides quickly into water.
An omnivore, it eats aquatic plants, algae, insects, fish, and carrion. Young take more animal food, while adults include more plants.
Females dig nests on land and lay eggs. Hatchlings move to water and grow in shallow areas.
It is listed as Least Concern. Released pets have established invasive populations that can affect native turtles and aquatic ecosystems.
