About Trachemys callirostris (Gray, 1856)
Description
Carapace Appearance
The turtle's carapace is green with lighter areas that have dark splotches between them.
Head Markings
The head has yellow lines, plus a splotch behind each ear that resembles the pattern seen on the pond slider (Trachemys scripta).
Size Measurements
On average, these turtles measure 25 cm (10 in) in length. Most larger specimens reach around 32 cm (12.5 in), though the maximum recorded length for the species is 35 cm (13.5 in).
Distribution and habitat
Native Range
This species is native to Colombia and Venezuela, with many individuals found in the Magdalena River.
Habitat Preferences
It inhabits slow rivers, lakes, swamps, and ponds, and can tolerate brackish water to some degree. It occupies areas that have floating vegetation and logs for basking.
Colombian Subspecies Range
The Colombian subspecies lives in northern Colombia and northwestern Venezuela, occurring near Antioquia Department, Atlántico Department, Bolívar Department, Córdoba Department, Cesar Department, La Guajira Department, and Magdalena Department in Colombia, plus Zulia and Falcón in Venezuela.
Venezuelan Subspecies Range
The Venezuelan subspecies is found in small coastal river systems near Rio Tocuyo, Falcón, Rio Morón, and Carabobo in Venezuela.
