Pond slider

Trachemys scripta, better known as the pond slider, is a common, medium-sized semi-aquatic turtle. There are three subspecies of sliders.^[2] The most recognizable subspecies is the red-eared slider (T. s. elegans), which is popular in the pet trade. This subspecies has been introduced to other parts of the world by people releasing it to the wild. Slider hatchlings have a green shell (carapace) and skin with yellow green and dark green striped markings. Markings and colors fade in adults to a muted olive green color. Some individuals become almost black with few visible markings. The carapace is oval and flattened. The underside of the shell is yellow with dark markings in the center of each scute.

Distribution

The pond sliders are native to the US and Mexico. The red-eared slider subspecies has been introduced worldwide.^[2][3]

Subspecies

• Trachemys scripta scripta – Yellow-bellied slider^[2]
• Trachemys scripta elegans – Red-eared slider^[2]
• Trachemys scripta troostii – Cumberland slider^[2]

Hybrid

• Trachemys scripta elegans x Trachemys scripta scripta - Red-eared slider x yellow-bellied slider^[4]

References

Bibliography

• Rhodin, Anders G.J.; Paul van Dijk, Peter; Inverson, John B.; Shaffer, H. Bradley (2010-12-14). "Turtles of the World 2010 Update: Annotated Checklist of Taxonomy, Synonymy, Distribution and Conservation Status" (pdf). Archived from the original on 2010-12-15. http://www.webcitation.org/5uzfktoIh. Retrieved 2010-12-15. 
• Fritz, Uwe; Havaš, Peter (2007-10-31). "Checklist of Chelonians of The World" (pdf). Archived from the original on 2010-12-29. http://www.webcitation.org/5vKyEUcP0. Retrieved 2010-12-29. 

External links

• Dewey, T. and T. Kuhrt. 2002. "Trachemys scripta" (On-line), Animal Diversity Web. Accessed July 29, 2008 at http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Trachemys_scripta.html.
• Rhudy, Robyn "Sliders" (On-Line), Accessed April 29, 2009 at http://www.fishpondinfo.com/turtles/sliders.htm