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RED EAR SLIDER (Trachemys scripta elegans), (SCHOEPFF, 1792)
IDENTIFICATION: 5-12 inches (12.7-30.4 cm). The carapace is oval from a dorsal perspective and there may be serrated edges present on the rear marginal scutes. Among mature specimens, the carapace contains numerous longitudinally oriented shallow ridges. These become more pronounced as the turtle grows older. A low mid-dorsal keel is also present on the carapace. A broad red stripe is present behind the eye. However, this colorful mark like other color markings becomes faded with advanced age. Females are the larger of the sexes.
Juveniles are the most colorful with yellow lines interlacing a lime green base coloration. As the turtle grows the yellow lines become less pronounced. Adults often display yellow lines, but they are much finer and less distinguished than those present on juveniles.
Mature males posses a longer and wider tail with a cloacal opening that extends beyond the posterior margin of the carapace. They also develop elongated fore claws that are used to vibrate water alongside the female's ears during courtship.
Reproductive behavior usually takes place between March to August and begins with the male courting the female. All reproductive activity with the exception of egg laying takes place in the water. Courtship behavior involves the male orienting himself in front of the female face to face. He then extends his front legs until the elongated front claws are aligned next to her tympanum. Then with rapid movements in his wrist he gently strums the water alongside her head. Courtship may take up to one hour to complete. Should the female be receptive to his advances copulation ensues. The male then orients himself behind the female and mounts the posterior portion of her carapace where he can align his cloaca with hers.
Females lay three clutches of 1-30 eggs from April to August. Clutch size depends upon the size of the female. Hatching generally requires between 60 to 90 days. The sexes of red eared sliders are determined by their incubation temperature.
Red ear sliders are opportunistic with their diet and consume a range of aquatic vegetation and prey items including but not limited to: duckweed, algae, hyacinth, and various other aquatic plants, worms, snails, crayfish, insects, arachnids, small amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals. It is an inaccurate notion that this turtle poses a threat to fish populations. Most healthy fish are too fast and wary to be caught by the red ear slider and the removal of any old or sick fish is a manner by which the overall health of the remaining fish population is improved. Sliders will also consume carrion that has fallen into the water.
