Peninsula cooter
A species of Cooters Scientific name : Pseudemys peninsularis Genus : Cooters
Peninsula cooter, A species of Cooters
Scientific name: Pseudemys peninsularis
Genus: Cooters
Content
Description General Info
Description
The peninsula cooter (Pseudemys peninsularis) is a species of freshwater turtle in the genus Pseudemys. It is sometimes considered a subspecies of the coastal plain cooter (P. floridana) when that turtle is not itself considered a subspecies of the river cooter (P. concinna).
General Info
Lifespan
20-40 years
Diet
Peninsula cooter is a largely herbivorous turtle, majorly feeding on aquatic vegetation. However, it displays dietary flexibility by occasionally consuming small invertebrates like snails and insects.
Appearance
Peninsula cooter is a robust, medium-sized turtle, possessing a somewhat flattened carapace (shell) that mainly flaunts a dark green hue, often endowed with yellow, rectangular markings. The skin matches the shell's coloration, with more vivid yellow striping. Adults usually exhibit an orange-red plastron (lower shell). The male turtle has a longer, thicker tail than the female. As they age, both genders tend to develop a more mottled, darken shell.
Behavior
Peninsula cooter is a diurnal and mostly aquatic species, spending most of its time basking and foraging. It displays social hierarchies via head-bobbing and gaping interactions. While not territorial, peninsula cooter prefers specific basking sites. It demonstrates unique hibernation-like behavior termed ‘brumation’ in colder months, submerging itself in water and reducing activity.
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Chordates Class
Reptiles Order
Testudines Family
Terrapins Genus
Cooters Species
Peninsula cooter 
AI animal expert in your pocket
Scan QR code to download
