Pseudemys rubriventris (Le Conte, 1830)

Scientific Naming

This species is a fairly large river turtle with the accepted scientific name Pseudemys rubriventris (Le Conte, 1830), commonly called the northern red-bellied turtle or red-bellied turtle.

Female Size

Females average about 30 cm (12 in) in length and average around 3 kg (6.6 lb) in weight, and large females can reach up to 40 cm (16 in) long.

Male Size

Males reach a maximum size of 29.5 centimetres (11.6 in).

Regional Size Record

It is the largest recorded basking turtle in the Chesapeake Bay region.

Endemic Status

This turtle is endemic to the United States.

Geographic Range

Its current range includes the distinct Massachusetts population of the Plymouth red-bellied turtle, which was previously classified as the separate subspecies Pseudemys rubriventris bangsi, plus coastal areas of New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, and North Carolina.

Pennsylvania Conservation Status

It has been listed as an endangered amphibian and reptile by the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission since 1978, as cited in McCoy 1985.

Pennsylvania Population Distribution (1985)

By 1985, the species was only known to exist in isolated colonies across a small number of counties in Pennsylvania, per McCoy 1985.

Recorded Pennsylvania Colonies

Colonies with fewer than thirty individuals were recorded at Manor and Silver lakes in Bucks County, the Tinicum wetlands in Philadelphia and Delaware Counties, and the West Branch of Conococheague Creek in Franklin County.

Possible Pennsylvania Colony

A possible small colony also existed at Springton Reservoir in Delaware County, cited in McCoy 1985.