Our Resident Red-eared Pond Sliders

Red-eared Pond Slider

(Trachemys scripta elegans)

Description:  A medium to large aquatic turtle which are easily distinguished by the bright red streak across the sides of the head. Young Red-eared sliders are bright green with intricately detailed markings on the carapace (top shell) and a yellow plastron (bottom shell) as they mature the colors become dull, and adults tend to have a drab olive to nearly black coloration. Males can be identified by their long front claws, and a longer tail than females.

Size: Adults can grow to over 12 inches in diameter.

Lifespan: In captivity these turtles can live for over 40 years if properly cared for.

Diet: Red-eared Pond Sliders are Omnivores who enjoy a variety of foods including vegetation, insects and small fish.  Young turtles tend to be more carnivorous and become more herbivorous as they grow older.

Habitat: A primarily aquatic turtle that can often be seen basking on rocks or fallen logs near the waters edge.

Range:  Native Range is widespread, throughout the Mississippi River Valley from eastern New Mexico to Alabama and north from Oklahoma to Illinois. 

Other Notes:  When basking Red-eared turtles are scared, they quickly “slide” back into the water to avoid predators.