Identification
A broad
red or orangish band behind the eye of the Red-eared Slider gives it its name.
In many adults, especially males, this characteristic is faded due to melanism;
which causes an overall darkening of the turtle’s skin and shell. The
slider’s carapace varies in color from olive to brown or dark brownish,
and is marked with a pattern of yellow and black bands and stripes. The plastron
is yellowish and often has dark spots or smudges in the center of each scute.
The head and limbs are green, olive, or brown with black and yellow stripes.
Distribution and Status
The Red-eared Slider is found naturally from West Virginia to northern Indiana
and Illinois, south to western Georgia, through Texas to northern Mexico as
well as eastern New Mexico. Populations in areas such as California, Maryland,
Ohio and southern Michigan are most likely due to human introduction. In the
Midwest, populations occurring naturally in Michigan and Wisconsin are subject
to debate. The species occurs naturally in Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Iowa and
Missouri. Red-eared sliders have also been introduced in parts of Europe, Africa,
and Asia. (US
distribution map; Midwest
distribution map).
Ecology
Almost any permanent body of water with an abundance of aquatic vegetation is
suitable habitat for the slider. They have been known to inhabit slow-flowing
rivers, shallow lakes, ponds, swamps, ditches, sloughs, and reservoirs. Red-eared
sliders prefer water deep enough to swim in (two feet or more in depth), and
rarely venture far from the water. Basking is common amongst these turtles,
and they will most often be found on objects floating in or projecting out of
the water, rather than on banks.
Threats and Management Issues
Red-eared sliders have been exploited in the past by the pet trade, and are
today used in the biological supply industry as well as for human consumption.
Uninformed people often behead the turtles if they are caught while fishing.
The trade and exploitation of sliders has led to the depletion of natural populations,
but at the same time has allowed the turtles to expand their natural range as
unwanted pet turtles are often released into the wild. While the release of
pet turtles should be avoided at all costs, largely because of the threat of
disease introduction, there is no evidence that these introduced populations
of Red-eared Sliders have caused any ecological problems. In the Midwest, this
species is absent from Michigan, Wisconsin and Minnesota.
Resources
Ernst. C. H., J. E. Lovich and R. W. Barbour. 1994. Turtles of the United States and Canada. Smithsonian Institution Press, USA.
General reference guides and websites.
Links to more information on the Red-eared Slider outside the Herp Center
Bruce Kingsbury, Director
Center for Reptile and Amphibian Conservation and Management
Science Building
Indiana-Purdue University
2101 East Coliseum Blvd.
Fort Wayne, IN 46805-1499