Animal Profiles
Reptiles

Red-Eared Slider

Trachemys scripta elegans

Living

Living individuals or members of this group exist today. This does not mean they are safe from extinction.

The red-eared slider is a freshwater turtle named for the reddish patch behind each eye. This account concerns Trachemys scripta elegans, a subspecies widely moved through the pet trade.

Trachemys scripta (red-eared slider)

Representative species: Trachemys scripta.

Happyswissman · CC BY

At a glance

Habitat
Rivers and lakes, Wetlands
Diet
Omnivore
Food
Aquatic plants and small animals.

Classification

Common name
Red-Eared Slider
Browse group
Reptiles
Scientific name or taxon
Trachemys scripta elegans
Taxon rank
subspecies
Family
Emydidae
Genus
Trachemys
Source classification
Reptilia

Taxonomy checked against GBIF. For breeds and hybrids, this describes the listed parent taxon.

Three things to know

  • The red patch lies behind the eye.
  • Diet changes as turtles grow.
  • It has been introduced beyond its native range.

Habitat and range

Red-eared sliders are native to the central and south-central United States and adjacent areas. Slow fresh water with vegetation and nearby basking sites suits them; introduced populations now occur well beyond the native range.

Appearance and adaptations

A dark shell and striped head are typical, with the red side patch most obvious in younger animals. Older individuals can darken, making markings less distinct.

Diet and behaviour

Young sliders eat many aquatic animals, while adults add more plant material. Turtles forage in water and bask on exposed logs or banks, often alongside others.

Sources

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