Red-eared slider turtle (Trachemys scripta elegans) is one of the three subspecies of a medium-sized turtle called pond slider. It is a semiaquatic turtle and a very famous pet turtle all the over the world especially in the U.S. For that reason, red-eared slider is the world’s most traded turtle. The name comes from the red line going through its ears. Also, these turtles slide along the rocks quite easily and there goes its name.
The oval-shaped carapace (upper shell) change sits colors according to age. The background of its shell is dark green to brownish-green in color. There are fine streaks of yellow on its legs and head. The claws at the front feet of the male turtles are larger as compare to the females.
On average, it has a length of about 15 to 20 centimeters. But its upper shell can be as long as 40 centimeters.
Red-eared 
sliders reach maturity at the age of 5 to 6 years. Mating season occurs between March and July.
A female turtle lays a clutch size of about 2 to 30 eggs and with a total of 5 clutches in a year. There is an interval of 12 to 36 days between each clutch. The eggs are hatched after 59 to 112 days.
Red-eared sliders originally belong to the southeastern part of the United States where the temperature is warm i.e. Gulf of Mexico and Mississippi River. They are native from cities like Colorado and all the way up to Florida. They inhabit in calm water but often get out and enjoy sunbath.
They rely on the temperature of their environment and cannot adjust their internal temperature. That’s why they have to keep themselves warmed up through sunlight.
Other Name: Red-eared Terrapin
