Home >> Science & Nature >> Nature

Types of Red Eared Slider Turtles

The red eared slider turtle, Chrysemys scripta elegans, is a common turtle that lives in the wild, which people also buy for pets. Only one type of the turtle exists. Its history in the United States dates back to the 1930s. Some pet owners decide they no longer want to keep the red eared slider, so they release it into the wild. This leads to the turtle's presence beyond its normal indigenous area.

Identification
- The red stripe behind the eye marks this species and gives the red eared slider turtle its name. Its other identifying marker is the pale yellow of its plastron, or underside. The shell is an oval shape and fairly flat. Adult female red eared slider turtles grow to about 11 inches in length, while the males will be slightly shorter. Coloration of juveniles include bright greens and yellows, while other red eared slider turtles exhibit darker colors.
Diet
- Red eared sliders tend to be aggressive in the pursuit of food. Their diet includes fish, frogs and insects, along with vegetation. In public parks they eat bread thrown to ducks. Younger sliders prefer animals like worms, tadpoles and fish, while older turtles tend to favor the vegetation diet.
Range
- The red eared slider turtle is indigenous to an area that includes West Virginia and Ohio as its eastern boundary. In the Midwest it inhabits parts of Indiana, Illinois, Missouri and Kansas. You will find the turtle in parts of Kentucky, Tennessee and Georgia, while the heart of its range is in Alabama, Mississippi, Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma and Texas. Its furthest range in the west is in parts of New Mexico. The red eared slider turtle has spread to many other states, such as the Pacific coastal states and the Atlantic coastal states, as a non-indigenous species, mostly through pet releases.
Care
- Caring for a pet turtle requires proper food, warmth and clean water. Do not be surprised to find your turtle in its shell during its first few days. It takes awhile to adjust to a new environment. When the turtle realizes your presence means food, he will come out of his shell. Wash your hands before and after handling your turtle. Always use both hands, as turtles will be afraid if not held tightly, and dropping a turtle will be harmful. Provide water for swimming, a dry area for resting and keep the temperature at 75 degrees. Turtles need to stay warm, but do not let the temperature get above 75. Keep the water clean to avoid contamination. A good diet according to the Animal Planet includes commercial food, meat, vegetation and a vitamin supplement.

Nature