Red-eared Slider
Trachemys scripta elegans
- Habitat: Lives in freshwater lake and pond habitats
- Range: South-western United States of America
- Natural Diet: Aquatic invertebrates and plants
- Status in the Wild: Not evaluated
Fun Facts
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These turtles were named after the red-line that borders their ears.
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They are predominantly aquatic leaving water bodies only to bask in the sun and to build terrestrial nests.
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The female slider turtles are larger than the males.
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These turtles breed prolifically laying up to 2 and half dozen eggs per clutch. They could lay five clutches per year.
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During the winter months, these turtles become dormant in a hibernation-like state called brumation.
Conservation Threats
Although they are impacted by habitat loss, water pollution, road mortality, and pet trade, these threats do not seem to have a significant impact on their population numbers in the wild
These turtles are considered an invasive species since they are been released into the wild in non-native habitats by disinterested pet owners