Red-eared Slider
Pseudemys elegans
Identification
This is the little green turtle that so many of us had as disposable pets. Red-eared
Sliders have a green carapace with
a yellow stripe on each scute.
The shell becomes darker and the stripes fade as the turtle ages. This turtle
has greenish skin
with yellow stripes plus an elongated red spot on each side of its head. Males
grow to 8 inches while females can reach 11 inches.
Habitats
Due to being released in many places, Sliders have established themselves in
southern New England. Similar in habitat requirements to Painted Turtles, they
prefer lakes and slow rivers with soft bottoms and numerous basking sites.
Diet
Red-eared sliders are omnivores, eating aquatic vegetation, invertebrates and
carrion. They must be submerged to eat.
Behavior
Similar in habits to our native Painted Turtles, Red-Eared Sliders' spend the
day basking, feeding and basking. Nesting starts in June, with clutches ranging
between 3 and 10 eggs.
Threats/Conservation
Red-eared sliders are not threatened, but rather an invasive species that may
threaten our native turtles. Due to its large size, Red-eareds can dominate limited
basking sites, not giving Painted Turtles adequate basking opportunities. Clutch
size tends to be larger, again giving Red-eareds the advantage.
 Debate
continues on whether to allow Red-eared Sliders to continue their spread or attempt
eradication. Due to the "cute factor," it is unlikely that the public
would embrace killing thousands of turtles (though that same public crushes thousands
under their tires.)
For detailed information about this species, we recommend Turtles of the United States and Canada by Ernst, Lovich, Barbour.
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