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Taxonomy and evolution

Red-eared Turtles are members of the order Testudines, which contains nearly 250 species. In the United States and Canada, members of this genus are usually referred to as turtles; however, in the UK they are split into Turtles (aquatic), Tortoises (land), and Terrapins (semi-aquatic). All turtles may also be referred to as "chelonians". RES were formerly classified as Chrysemys scripta elegans.

Red-eared Terrapin, Trachemys scripta - © Jeroen Speybroeck

Distribution and Habitat

The Red Ear Turtle (RES) geographically originated from the area around the Mississippi River down to the Gulf of Mexico. They thrive in warmer climates, particularly the Southeast quadrant of the United States. Such an area would be east of and below Colorado to Virginia down to Florida. They naturally reside in areas with a calm, fresh and warm water source. These can be ponds, lakes, marshes, creeks and streams. The area is usually quiet with a basking area, such a large flat rock or a log, which should also receive a good deal of sunlight. It is common for RES to bask together and even on top of each other. There should be abundant aquatic vegetation, which is the main component of an adult slider's diet. Wild RES will stay close to a water source unless it is in search of a new one or if a female has a need to nest and lay eggs.

The pet trade has expanded their range around the world, often at the expense of native terrapins. Therefore, it is not difficult to locate RES in some suitable habitat anywhere in the world.

Behavior

Red Eared Turtles are almost totally aquatic, but leave the water to bask on hot sunny days. These reptiles are deceptively fast and excellent swimmers. They search for prey and will attempt to capture them when the opportunity arises. They are aware of predators and people and will generally shy away from them. In fact, the RES slides frantically off rocks and logs when approached - hence the name.

Hibernation

Red-Eared Turtles hibernate over the winter at the bottom of ponds or shallow lakes. They will tolerate other small animals in their habitat, but will quickly dive underwater when approached by potential predators, making them difficult to catch. They also seem to like other Red-Eared Sliders, they will stack on top of each other while they are sun bathing.

Reproduction

The courtship and mating activities usually occur between March and July, and take place underwater. The male swims toward the female and begins to flutter or vibrate his long claws on and around her face and head. The female will continue to swim toward the male and if she is receptive she will sink to the bottom for mating. If the female is not receptive, she might start a fight with the male. The courtship can take up to 45 minutes, but the mating itself usually takes 15 minutes.

Sometimes a male will appear to be courting another male. This is actually a sign of dominance and the males may begin to fight. Juveniles may display the courtship dance, but until the turtles are five years of age they are not mature and unable to mate.

After mating, the female will spend extra time basking in order to keep her eggs warm. She may also have a change of diet, eating only certain foods or not eating as much as she normally would. This is normal and the female should not be offered food throughout pregnancy. The average gestation period is two months, but if the female cannot find a suitable place for laying her eggs it may last longer. A female might lay anywhere from two to twenty eggs. One female can lay multiple clutches of eggs during one mating season. Depending on several factors, the clutches will be spaced two to four weeks apart.

The eggs will hatch 80-85 days after they have been laid. The hatchling will cut open the egg with an "egg tooth" which falls out an hour after hatching and never grows back. If the turtles don't feel secure, they will remain inside their shell after hatching for another day or two. If they are removed from the shell before they are ready, they will return to the shell if possible. When they decide to leave their shells, they will have a small sac hanging from their bellies. This is the remains of the yolk sac and should not be removed. Removing it could be fatal to the hatchling. The sac will fall off by itself, at which point you may notice a split in the turtle's plastron. This will heal on its own as well and does not need to be treated.