Red Ear Slider (Trachemys Scripts Elegans)
Conservation status
IUCN: Red List: NIL
Key Descriptions
The Red Eared Slider is one of the most common pets in the world. They get their name from the striking red stripe which runs along its ears & its signature ability of being able to effortlessly slide off logs & rocks which they bask on into the water.
Habitat
The red-eared slider originated from the area around the Mississippi River and the Gulf of Mexico, in warm climates in the southeastern United States. Their native areas range from the southeast of Colorado to Virginia and Florida. They live in areas of calm water where they are able to leave the water easily by climbing onto rocks or tree trunks so they can warm up in the sun.
Social Life
Individuals are often found sunbathing in a group or even on top of each other. On occasion, a male may appear to be courting another male, and when kept in captivity may also show this behaviour towards other household pets. Between male turtles, it could be a sign of dominance and may preclude a fight. Young turtles may carry out the courtship dance before they reach sexual maturity at five years of age, but they are unable to mate.
Fun Facts
- Red-eared Sliders are brightly marked, and look a lot like the Western Painted turtles. One difference between the two is it’s top shell (carapace – prounounced CARE-a-pace). The Red-eared Slider’s carapace looks like a bowl turned upside down while the Painted turtle is flatter.
- They are excellent swimmers, but spend a good deal of their time basking in the sun on logs, rocks, etc. They have poor hearing but good vision and are very sensitive to vibrations. When startled or threatened, they will quickly slide off rocks/logs back into the water (hence the name).
- Red-eared sliders are almost entirely aquatic, but as they are cold-blooded, they leave the water to sunbathe to regulate their temperature.
- Courtship and mating usually takes place between March and July, and take place underwater! Females make their nest on land in soft, sandy soil with lots of sunlight to keep their nest warm. Nests are dug with the turtle’s hind feet, usually within 200 meters of water. The nest is no deeper than 10 to 12 centimeters. The females will lay 2 to 30 oval, soft shelled eggs. The eggs are fertilized as they are being laid and buried in the sand.
Diet
Fish & Vegetables
Key Information
| Origin: | S. United State & N. Mexico |
| Size: | 12 – 20.3cm |
| Weight: | Up to 16kg |
| Lifespan: | Up to 30years |