Red-Eared Slider
The red-eared slider is a semi-aquatic freshwater turtle, scientifically named *Trachemys scripta elegans*, and a subspecies of the pond slider in the family Emydidae.
The red-eared slider is a semi-aquatic freshwater turtle, scientifically named *Trachemys scripta elegans*, and a subspecies of the pond slider in the family Emydidae. It is native to the southern and central United States and northern Mexico, but has been widely introduced elsewhere through the pet trade and is invasive in many regions. In Canada, it is considered an invasive species.
Description
The red-eared slider is a semiaquatic turtle with a red or orange mark behind each eye and a freshwater lifestyle. It belongs to the turtle family Emydidae and is a subspecies of the pond slider.
Range and habitat
The species is native to the southern and central United States and northern Mexico. It lives in ponds, rivers, lakes, marshes, and other freshwater habitats, and has established invasive populations in many other parts of the world.
Pet trade and invasiveness
Red-eared sliders are widely kept as pets and are among the most traded turtles globally. Releases from captivity have helped spread the species far beyond its native range, where it can compete with native turtles and other wildlife. In Canada, the species has been introduced mainly through the pet trade and pet releases.
Ecology and identification
The red mark behind each eye is the most widely used identification feature. The species is well known in North American wildlife references and invasive-species programs because of its broad distribution and ecological impact.
Key facts
- Identified by the distinctive reddish-orange stripe behind each eye.
- It is a subspecies of the pond slider (*Trachemys scripta*).
- The species is native to parts of the United States and northern Mexico.
- It has been introduced widely outside its native range, often through pet releases.
- It is considered invasive in many non-native regions, including Canada.
The red-eared slider is an invasive turtle species in Canada, where it has been introduced mainly through the pet trade and pet releases.[13]
Frequently asked questions
What is a red-eared slider?
Why is it called a red-eared slider?
Where is the red-eared slider native to?
Is the red-eared slider invasive?
Why is it common as a pet?
References
- Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Red-eared_sliderSupports: Scientific name, taxonomic rank, native range, pet popularity, and invasive spread.
- National Invasive Species Information Center — https://www.invasivespeciesinfo.gov/aquatic/fish-and-other-vertebrates/red-eared-sliderSupports: Common and scientific name.
- U.S. Geological Survey, Nonindigenous Aquatic Species — https://nas.er.usgs.gov/queries/factsheet.aspx?SpeciesID=1261Supports: Identification feature and scientific name.
- Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation — https://www.wildlifedepartment.com/wildlife/field-guide/reptiles/red-eared-sliderSupports: North American range and general species information.
- Invasive Species Centre — https://www.invasivespeciescentre.ca/invasive-species/meet-the-species/land-and-animal-invertebrates/red-eared-slider/Supports: Invasive status in Canada and introduction via pet release.
- Texas Parks and Wildlife Department — https://tpwd.texas.gov/huntwild/wild/species/slider/Supports: Physical description and range in Texas and the southern United States.