Trachemys scripta (Thunberg In Schoepff, 1792)

Taxonomy and Common Name

The pond slider, with the scientific name Trachemys scripta, is a common, medium-sized semiaquatic turtle species.

Subspecies

Three subspecies of pond slider have been described, the most recognizable of which is the red-eared slider (T. s. elegans).

Introduction to Non-Native Regions

The red-eared slider is popular in the pet trade, and has been introduced to other regions across the world after people released pet individuals into the wild.

Juvenile Coloration

Hatchling and juvenile pond sliders have a green upper shell, also called a carapace, a yellow bottom shell, also called a plastron, and green and yellow striped markings on their skin.

Age-Related Color Fading

These color and pattern features on the skin and shell fade as the turtle ages.

Mature Shell Coloration

Mature individuals develop a muted olive green to brown carapace, and a dull yellow or darker plastron.

Adult Melanism

Some adult pond sliders become almost entirely black, with very few visible markings.

Juvenile Carapace Structure

The pond slider's carapace is oval, slightly rounded, and has a central knobby crest.

Age-Related Carapace Changes

These features also soften and fade with age, leaving adult individuals with smoother, flatter carapaces.

Sexual Dimorphism

To sex adult pond sliders, you can use visible physical traits: males typically have much longer front claws than adult females, while females usually have shorter, more slender tails than males.

Lifespan

Pond sliders have a lifespan ranging from 20 to 50 years.

Native Range

Pond sliders are native to the south-central and southeastern United States, and northern Mexico.