Common Name

Pond Slider

Scientific Name

Trachemys scripta

A common, medium-sized, semiaquatic turtle. The upper portion of the shell, the carapace, tends to be oval-shaped with sharp edges. The carapace is rough with indentations that vary in direction. The bottom of the shell, the plastron, is flat and smooth. The coloring of the carapace ranges from greenish yellow to gray, brown, and black. Large, yellow lines are often present on the carapace. The plastron tends to be lighter in color than the carapace, and it is usually yellow with black spots or streaks. The skin is dark green and brown.

  • Kingdom: Animalia
  • Phylum: Chordata
  • Class: Reptilia
  • Order: Testudines
  • Family: Emydidae
  • Genus: Trachemys
  • Species: Trachemys scripta
Habitat

Wetland

Distribution

Slider turtles, are native to the southeastern and central United States and northern Mexico.

Abundance

Common

Activity Time

Diurnal

Diet

Juvenile slider turtles are mostly carnivorous feeding on insects, crayfish, tadpoles, fish, clams, snails, slugs, small amphibians, and other reptiles. As they mature they become omnivores and feed on aquatic plants

Behavior

Slider turtles spend their time walking, swimming, grazing, foraging, and basking. They are most active during warm months and on sunny days during cold months. Sliders are gregarious animals, and they are often found in large numbers.

Ecological Role

Conservation Status

Least Concern

Threats & Impacts

Notes