Red-eared slider

From Free net encyclopedia

{{Taxobox | color = pink | name = Red-eared Terrapin | image = redeared.jpg | image_width = 250px | image_caption = red eared couple - photo taken by Zhinous Shakibaeian | regnum = Animalia | phylum = Chordata | classis = Reptilia | subclassis = Anapsida | ordo = Testudines | familia = Emydidae | genus = Trachemys | species = T. scripta | subspecies = T. s. elegans | trinomial = Trachemys scripta elegans | trinomial_authority = (Wied-Neuwied, 1839) }}

The Red-eared Slider (Trachemys scripta elegans), called the Red-eared Terrapin in the U.K., is native to the southern United States; and has become common in the United Kingdom. It is part of the turtle family.

It is a medium-sized aquatic animal, ranging in size from 0.8 in (2 cm) when born to 11 in (28 cm) as an adult, and is recognised by a red stripe down each side of the head. They are almost totally aquatic, but leave the water to bask on hot sunny days almost constantly and slide frantically off the logs when approached - hence the name. The Red-Eared Sliders hibernate over the winter at the bottom of ponds or shallow lakes where they enter a state of torpor. Red-eared sliders are omnivores, feeding on vegetation, insects and small fish. They eat more fish and insects when young, switching to more plants as they age. They are very widespread in the US, especially the south and midwest. They are becoming common as feral pets in the UK, being more active during hot weather. They will tolerate other small animals in their habitat, but will quickly dive underwater when approached by potential predators, making them difficult to catch.

Red-eared terrapins are not native to the British Isles; but have become common in most areas due to widespread release of imported pets by the public. Turtles in captivity live to over 40 years old. Like most turtles, they have a strong bite, which may result in injuries that should be seen by medical staff as soon as possible; and like all pets they may carry some diseases, such as the Salmonella bacteria which may occur in newly captured reptile pets. They are not thought to be breeding in the UK, as the mean summer temperature is too low; however, there is some possibility they might on an especially warm summer. Note: Recent news (2001) from a reptile specialist in the South (near Southampton) is that red-eared slider nests and eggs were found last year, but no hatchlings were found.

It is not always easy to determine the sex of an individual until the turtles are over a year old. Even then it varies based on how fast your turtle is growing. This is dependent upon the food and nourishment they receive. There are some common things to look for once a turtle is grown. Males have longer front claws and a longer, thicker tail. Males also tend to have a concave ventral shell as compared to that of females. When full grown, females are also significantly larger than males.

There is a European turtle species, Emys orbicularis, the European Pond Turtle, similar in shape, size, and habit to the Red-eared Terrapin; but with a more rounded head. This species is not native to the UK, but is common in central and southern Europe. Red-eared terrapins are members of the order Testudines, which contains nearly 250 species. In the United States, members of this genus are usually referred to as turtles; however, in the UK they are split into Turtles (aquatic), Tortoises (land), and Terrapins (semi-aquatic).

[edit]