Wildlifeof China
Pond Slider
Tortoises & Freshwater Turtles
Photo: M. Whitson · CC BY 4.0
Trachemys scripta
Basic stats
Diet
Omnivorous; juveniles emphasize insects, spiders, crustaceans, mollusks, fish, amphibians, and other animal prey, while adults consume more aquatic and terrestrial vegetation and algae
Habitat
Shallow, slow-moving freshwater or brackish ponds, lakes, rivers, streams, swamps, lagoons, seasonal pools, muddy areas, and nearby forest or savanna
Range
Native to the southeastern and central United States and northern Mexico; introduced widely in the Americas, Europe, Africa, Asia, Australia, and oceanic islands
Clutch size
2–20 eggs; average 6–11
Incubation period
60–95 days
Size
10–29 cm
Weight
Females up to 3,200 g
Pond sliders are semiaquatic turtles native to the southeastern and central United States and northern Mexico, but introduced populations now occur across much of the world. They favor shallow, slow-moving freshwater or brackish habitats with abundant vegetation and convenient basking sites. Ponds, lakes, rivers, streams, swamps, lagoons, seasonal pools, sloughs, and muddy areas are all used. Adults range from 10 to 29 centimeters long, with females growing larger and reaching 3,200 grams. (Animal Diversity Web)
Young pond sliders are predominantly carnivorous, eating insects, spiders, crayfish, tadpoles, fish, mollusks, amphibians, and other small animals. Adults become more omnivorous and consume substantial amounts of aquatic plants, leaves, stems, flowers, seeds, and algae while retaining animal prey in their diet. Females typically lay one or two clutches annually, though as many as four are possible. Each clutch contains 2 to 20 eggs, and incubation lasts 60 to 95 days. (Animal Diversity Web)
Quick answers
- What does the Pond Slider eat?
- Omnivorous; juveniles emphasize insects, spiders, crustaceans, mollusks, fish, amphibians, and other animal prey, while adults consume more aquatic and terrestrial vegetation and algae
- What habitat does the Pond Slider live in?
- Shallow, slow-moving freshwater or brackish ponds, lakes, rivers, streams, swamps, lagoons, seasonal pools, muddy areas, and nearby forest or savanna
- Where is the Pond Slider found?
- Native to the southeastern and central United States and northern Mexico; introduced widely in the Americas, Europe, Africa, Asia, Australia, and oceanic islands
- How many eggs does the Pond Slider lay?
- 2–20 eggs; average 6–11
- How long are the eggs of the Pond Slider incubated?
- 60–95 days
- How big is the Pond Slider?
- 10–29 cm
- How much does the Pond Slider weigh?
- Females up to 3,200 g