Texas river cooter
A species of Cooters Scientific name : Pseudemys texana Genus : Cooters
Texas river cooter, A species of Cooters
Scientific name: Pseudemys texana
Genus: Cooters
Content
Description General Info
Photo By chrisrohrer , used under CC-BY-NC-4.0 /Cropped and compressed from original 
Description
The Texas river cooter (Pseudemys texana) is a species of freshwater turtle native to creeks, rivers, and lakes of the US state of Texas. It is found in the river basins of the Colorado, Brazos, Guadalupe, and San Antonio Rivers. It is one of two species of cooter native to the state, the other being the Eastern River Cooter.
General Info
Lifespan
30-40 years
Diet
Texas river cooter's diet is primarily herbivorous, predominantly relying on a variety of aquatic vegetation. The species exhibits a preference for seagrasses, algae, and aquatic macrophytes, ensuring a balanced nutritional intake.
Appearance
Texas river cooter is a medium-sized freshwater turtle with a flat, smooth shell. The overall coloration is primarily dark, ranging from olive to brown, often with lighter streaks or spots. Its plastron is typically yellowish with dark seams. Both males and females exhibit a similar appearance. Its main distinguishing feature is an elongated, bar-like mark behind each eye, making it visually unique among its kind.
Behavior
Texas river cooter is a species of turtle exhibiting predominantly solitary behavior, with occasional sociability during basking periods. They exhibit a diurnal rhythm, most active in the morning and late afternoon. Primarily herbivorous, they forage close to the water's edge for aquatic vegetation. During nesting, females bury their eggs inland, defending the nesting area aggressively until females depart.
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Chordates Class
Reptiles Order
Testudines Family
Terrapins Genus
Cooters Species
Texas river cooter 
AI animal expert in your pocket
Scan QR code to download
