Red-eared Slider

A Red-eared Slider (Trachemys scripta elegans) is a semi-aquatic turtle native to the southern and midwestern United States. It is a very common pet turtle and is recognized by the distinctive red stripe behind its eyes.

The Red-eared Slider gets its name from the small, vibrant red stripe or patch on each side of its head, just behind the eye. Its shell, or carapace, is typically green with yellow or darker markings that fade with age. The skin is also green with yellow stripes. The shell of an adult can grow up to 12 inches in length.

Red-eared Sliders are found in a variety of freshwater habitats, including ponds, lakes, marshes, and slow-moving rivers. They are omnivores, with a diet that changes as they mature. Juveniles are mostly carnivorous, eating insects, snails, and aquatic plants. Adults eat a more balanced diet of aquatic plants, small fish, and invertebrates.

These turtles are known for their habit of basking in the sun on logs or rocks to regulate their body temperature. They are popular pets around the world, but their release into the wild by irresponsible owners has made them an invasive species in many countries, where they outcompete native turtles and other wildlife.