Pond Slider
Trachemys scripta
What it is
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...
Where and when to find it
- Habitat
- You can find pond sliders all over the eastern and central United States. They live in ponds, lakes, marshes, and slow-moving rivers.
- How to find it
- Look for them sunning themselves on logs, rocks, or riverbanks. Be quiet and move slowly so you don't scare them into the water.
- Best time of day
- Sunny days, late morning to afternoon, spring through fall.
How it lives
- What it eats
- Mostly plants, algae, insects, small fish, and dead animals.
- What eats it
- Raccoons, large birds (like eagles and herons), and snapping turtles.
Worth knowing
- The most common type, the Red-eared Slider, gets its name from the red patch on its head.
- Young sliders eat more meat, while older ones eat more plants.
- They can live for over 20 years in the wild.
- They are very good swimmers and can dive deep.
- When they get scared, they often plop into the water with a splash!
- Many people had pond sliders as pets when they were young.
Why it matters
Pond sliders help keep aquatic environments clean by eating plants and dead animals. They also serve as food for larger predators.