Pond slider
A species of Sliders, Also known as Red-eared slider Scientific name : Trachemys scripta Genus : Sliders
Pond slider, A species of Sliders
Also known as:
Red-eared slider
Scientific name: Trachemys scripta
Genus: Sliders
Content
Description General Info
Photo By yetinaturalist , used under CC-BY-4.0 /Cropped and compressed from original 
Description
The pond slider (Trachemys scripta) is a species of common, medium-sized, semiaquatic turtle. There are three subspecies, the most recognizable of which is the red-eared slider (T. s. elegans), which is popular in the pet trade and has been introduced to other parts of the world by people releasing it to the wild. Hatchling and juvenile pond sliders have a green upper shell (carapace), yellow bottom shell (plastron) and green and yellow stripes and markings on...
General Info
Lifespan
20-40 years
Diet
Pond slider primarily consumes a diverse diet of both plant and animal matter. Young individuals are largely carnivorous, often feeding on invertebrates like insects and snails. As they mature, they develop a preference for vegetation, favoring pondweed, algae, and other aquatic greenery. Their opportunistic nature also leads to consumption of carrion and small fish when available.
Appearance
Pond slider is a medium-sized reptile with a flat, streamlined shell covered in hard, scale-like scutes. It displays shades of dark green on its shell, which often has yellowish streaks. The species has a distinctive yellow stripe behind each eye and on its limbs. Its underbelly is pale yellow, with no markings. Females tend to be larger than males, and males have longer claws and a thinner tail.
Behavior
Pond slider, a semi-aquatic species, primarily exhibits diurnal basking behavior for thermoregulation. It displays omnivorous foraging habits, feeding on both aquatic plants and small aquatic animals. Typically solitary, pond slider becomes aggressive and territorial during breeding season. Its survival behaviors include retracting into its carapace for protection.
Scientific Classification
AI animal expert in your pocket
Scan QR code to download
