Exotic Animals > Red-Eared Turtle

Red-Eared Turtle

Trachemys scripta elegans

INTRODUCED

DISTRIBUTION: Native to southern United States, but due to the pet trade escapees or those liberated have established in the wild in many countries.

HABITAT: They prefer a water habitat and come onto land to bask in the sun.

BREEDING: Two weeks before laying her eggs the female spends most of her time on land searching for a nesting site. 2-20 eggs are laid and the young hatch after 80-90 days. They become adults at about 5 years of age.

FOOD: Fish eggs, small water insects and some plant matter.

GENERAL: Can grow up to 30cm in length. Dark green shell with yellow lines and spots. Skin green and white stripped. Males are smaller in size than females. They will hibernate in cold conditions.


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