Yellow-bellied Slider
The Yellow-bellied Slider is a subspecies of the pond slider turtle and is native to parts of the US. Known for their contrasting body coloration in black and yellow, they are also popular as pets.
Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Reptilia |
Order | Testudines |
Suborder | Cryptodira |
Family | Emydidae |
Genus | Trachemys |
Species | T. scripta |
Subspecies | T. s. scripta |
Scientific Name | Trachemys scripta scripta |
Length/Size | Male: 5–9 inches (13–23 cm); Female: 8–13 inches (20–33 cm) |
Body Coloration | The carapace is brown and black with some individuals having yellow stripes; the skin has olive green coloration with distinct yellow patches around the neck and the leg regions |
Range/Distribution | SE parts of the United States, especially from Florida to SE Virginia |
Habitat | Prefers water bodies with slow to moderate water flow including floodplain swamps, marshes, slow-moving rivers, permanent ponds, and seasonal wetlands |
Diet/Food | Omnivorous; water plants, vegetables, fish, insects, etc. |
Breeding Season | April to June |
Clutch Size | 3 clutches per year, laying between 5 and 20 eggs |
Mode of Reproduction | Oviparous |
IUCN Conservation Status | Least Concern |