Yellow-bellied Slider
The Yellow-bellied Slider is a land and water turtle. The adult male typically reaches 5 to 9 inches in length whilst the female reaches 8 to 13 inches. The carapace (upper shell) is typically brown and black, often with yellow stripes. The skin is olive green with prominent patches of yellow down the neck and legs. As the name implies, the plastron (bottom shell) is mostly yellow with black spots along the edges. There are yellow stripes on the neck and an "s"-shaped yellow stripe on the face. Adults tend to grow darker as they age.
The Yellow-bellied Slider is native to eastern and central USA where it is the most common turtle species in its range. It can be found in a wide range of freshwater habitats, rivers, ditches, swamps, lakes and ponds. It prefers shallow, slow-flowing waters with abundant aquatic vegetation to feed on, soft bottom substrates and plenty of basking sites.
The Yellow-bellied Slider has been introduced into other parts of the USA, Europe, Africa and Asia and it is becoming increasingly abundant in many countries outside its native range. It is considered to be one of the 100 top invasive species in the world and has been introduced to many countries through the pet trade. Proper education into the responsibilities of keeping the Yellow-bellied Slider as a pet and disposal methods for unwanted pets are needed to stem the invasive threats posed by this species.
Date: 8th April 2017
Location: Rainham Marshes RSPB reserve, Essex
The Yellow-bellied Slider is native to eastern and central USA where it is the most common turtle species in its range. It can be found in a wide range of freshwater habitats, rivers, ditches, swamps, lakes and ponds. It prefers shallow, slow-flowing waters with abundant aquatic vegetation to feed on, soft bottom substrates and plenty of basking sites.
The Yellow-bellied Slider has been introduced into other parts of the USA, Europe, Africa and Asia and it is becoming increasingly abundant in many countries outside its native range. It is considered to be one of the 100 top invasive species in the world and has been introduced to many countries through the pet trade. Proper education into the responsibilities of keeping the Yellow-bellied Slider as a pet and disposal methods for unwanted pets are needed to stem the invasive threats posed by this species.
Date: 8th April 2017
Location: Rainham Marshes RSPB reserve, Essex