Defining Characteristics and Behavior:
The Red-eared slider is a freshwater turtle that can grow up to 12 inches in length. They have a distinctive red stripe behind their eyes with the head, neck, and legs patterned with yellow stripes. Their shell (carapace) is a greenish-brown shell with yellow markings. These turtles are known for basking in the sun on rocks or logs and can often be seen lined up on top of each other. They are also strong swimmers and can stay submerged for up to an hour.
Habitat Preferences:
- The Red-eared slider is native to the southern United States and Mexico.
- They prefer slow-moving or still-water bodies such as ponds, lakes, and marshes.
Average Lifecycle:
- Red-eared sliders can live up to 30 years in the wild, although most only live for about 15 years.
- They reach sexual maturity at around 5 to 7 years old.
- Females lay 10 to 30 eggs at a time, with the eggs taking about 2 to 3 months to hatch.
Fun Facts:
- The Red-eared slider communicates with touch and vibrations.
- They are known for their ability to survive in urban environments and can often be found in park ponds or other man-made bodies of water.
- The temperature of the sand an egg was incubated in determines the sex of the Red-eared Slider.
