Red-Eared Slider
Trachemys scripta elegans
A common introduced pond turtle recognized by the red patch behind each eye and frequent basking in groups.
Red-eared Sliders became established in Florida largely through released pets. They now occur in ponds, canals, lakes, and slow waterways across much of the state.
They bask to regulate body temperature and quickly slide into water when disturbed. Released sliders compete with native turtles for food, basking sites, and nesting areas.
Habitat:
Lakes and Ponds, Rivers and Springs, Canals and Ditches, Urban and Residential Areas
Area / Range:
Statewide
Diet:
Omnivorous. Young turtles eat more insects, snails, tadpoles, and small aquatic animals, while adults consume more aquatic vegetation along with animal prey.
Behavior:
Basks in groups, dives rapidly when approached, and spends most activity near water. Females travel onto land to dig nests in sunny soil.
Daytime
Active Times:
Best time to see:
Sunny days while turtles bask on logs, banks, rocks, and pond structures.
Florida Native Status:
Introduced
Conservation Status:
Established nonnative turtle; not federally or state listed.
Safety Level:
Low. Avoid Handling
Safety Information:
Do not handle unless necessary. Turtles can scratch, bite, and carry Salmonella. Wash hands after any contact and keep children from handling wild turtles.
Benefits to Property:
Consumes aquatic plants, insects, and carrion, but native turtles provide the same ecological roles without the invasive-species concern.
Property Concerns:
Released pets can compete with native turtles and crowd small ornamental ponds. Large females may dig in loose landscape soil while nesting.
Fun Fact:
- The red ear mark gives the turtle its common name.
- Adults can remain underwater for long periods while resting.
- Pet releases created populations far outside the native range.
Wildlife Laws:
Never release a pet turtle into the wild. Possession, sale, transport, and removal must follow current state and federal rules, including restrictions involving small turtles.
Identification:
Olive to dark shell with yellow markings, striped head and legs, and a red or orange patch behind each eye. Older males can become very dark and lose obvious patterning.