Reptile · GBIF taxon 6157026
Red-eared Slider
Trachemys scripta elegansAlso known as Red-eared Terrapin, Slider Turtle
Red-eared sliders spend sunny hours stacked along floating logs, diving into quiet waters at the slightest alarm. Recognized by the vivid crimson stripe behind each eye, these adaptable freshwater turtles shift from a carnivorous juvenile diet to eating mostly aquatic plants as adults. Their popularity in the global pet trade has made them one of the world's most widespread and ecologically disruptive invasive reptiles.
AquaticReptileInvasive
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Aquatic Vegetation
- Insects
- Small Fish
Predators
- Raccoons
- Herons
- Alligators
ThreatsHabitat degradation and vehicular mortality in native range
HabitatsPonds, calm rivers, lakes, and urban retention basins
Life span20–30 years in the wild
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyEmydidae
- GenusTrachemys
- SpeciesTrachemys scripta elegans
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskModerate
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is moderate
- Can carry Salmonella and bite defensively when handled; observe from a respectful distance.
- Why it is dangerous
- Shed Salmonella bacteria through skin and droppings while strong jaws can deliver a painful bite if pinched.
- How to recognize a risky encounter
- Distinctive red to dark orange patch positioned directly behind each eye on the head.
- What to do
- Refrain from handling wild turtles and wash hands thoroughly with soap if contact occurs.
Responsible observation
- Basking Spots: Scan fallen logs and muddy banks along sunny pond edges where individuals cluster to warm themselves.
- Safe Distance: Approach water margins slowly and quietly, as startled turtles dive off logs in seconds.
- Responsible Care: Never release captive turtles into local waterways to protect native pond life.
Competitor MH Herpetology / CC BY-SA 4.0 · cc-by-sa
Look-alike (c) Sam Kieschnick, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Sam Kieschnick · cc-by
Help improve the field guideSomething wrong?
Checking your Fauna account…Report a name, category, or profile issue for review.