Identification, Distribution, and Ecology:
The Red eared slider has a wide red postorbital stripe from which it gets its name. In many adults, however it appears to be absent. Carapace length in males averages around 7 in. (18 cm.) and about 8 1/2 in. (21 cm.) in females. Males are smaller, but have longer foreclaws . Females are larger, and have shorter foreclaws. Almost any permanent body of freshwater within its range is suitable for the red eared slider. They inhabit slow flowing rivers, shallow lakes, ponds, swamps, ditches, sloughs, and reservoirs. They prefer water at least two feet deep and rarely venture far from the water. Sliders feed on algae, snails, crayfish, insects, fish, frogs, and snakes. Sliders live up to 42 years in captivity.
Slider on left. Map on right
Slider on left. Map on right.