Getting to Know the Red Ear Slider Turtle: Essential Care Tips

Getting to Know the Red Ear Slider Turtle

Introduction

Are you thinking about owning a turtle for a pet? There are many different species to choose from.

But maybe you have decided on getting a red ear slider turtle? Or maybe you already own one but want to make sure that he or she is living his or her best life? These friendly little creatures have big personalities and can be great companions for life. With a bit of effort and proper care, you can ensure a long and happy life for your turtle.

In this guide, I’ll cover everything you need to know about caring for your red ear slider turtle. From feeding to proper housing, even a little biology and history. I’ve got you covered. I will give suggestions on what kind of equipment to provide your new turtle, as well as what I provide for my own red-eared turtle.

You’ll be surprised at how much fun it is to take care of these little guys. I know I was.

So let’s slide right in and get started!

What is a Red Ear Slider Turtle?

Basic Biology

Let’s talk about the red ear slider turtle, an aquatic creature that’s quite a character. For starters, they’re semi-aquatic, which means they split their time between land and water.

When they’re in the water, they love to chow down on yummy aquatic veggies like algae, duckweed, and pond weeds. But they’re always up for a quick snack of fish or insects.

Origin

Did you know those red-eared sliders have a long and mysterious history? This amazing creature has been around for ages, exploring much of the eastern and central US and even venturing into South America. They’ve seen and experienced so much!

Author’s Note: Although I searched websites, journals, periodicals, and other scientific and historical data on red ear sliders, I have to conclude that no one really knows who first found one of these turtles.

The taxonomic report from the Integrated Taxonomic Information System, or ITIS, tells us they were first classified in 1839 by Wied-Neuwied. We also know The Department of Agriculture tells us they are now found everywhere, even considered an invasive species in some areas. One source for more information on where they can be found in the world, check here.

Fun Fact: The Encylopedia Britannica tells us turtles are so ancient that even dinosaurs saw them roaming around Earth!

Habitat

Red Ears are a native species to the southern and central United States. Red-ear slider turtles are not content with staying in one place.

These little adventurers can be found as far north as Illinois and Oklahoma, all the way down south in Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and even Texas! They can also be seen taking a road trip south of the border into Central America on their quest for aquatic vegetation heaven!

These turtles can be spotted in slow-moving freshwater rivers and lakes, which have plenty of plants to hide in. They’re tough enough to tolerate varying water temperatures, making them versatile creatures.

If you spot one near a stream or pond, then chances are they’re searching for someplace with plenty of aquatic vegetation. Slow-moving waters seem to call out to them in their laid back way of life.

They don’t get too concerned by the temperatures around them. They just adjust to what they need. Like the sun when they are cold, or a cool swim when warm.

Namesake

Let’s talk about their name.

The red-eared slider turtle is named for the single red patch behind the eyes, near each ear.

Other common names for the turtle include red-eared terrapin, slider turtle, and water slider.

The scientific name is Trachemys scripta elegans.

You can find the meaning of the scientific name of a red-eared slider turtle by breaking down the name into its Latin or Greek roots.

The Latin name of the reptile, Trachemys scripta elegans, has different translations from Latin to English. One is translated to “painted tortoise with a fine pattern”, which explains those gorgeous yellow or red stripes on their dark green carapace (their protective shell), or their underside, known as the plastron, is usually yellow or orange in color and also bears distinct markings.

Another translation comes from both the Greek and Latin languages. “Trachemys” comes from the Greek words “trachys” which means “rough,” and “emys,” which means “turtle”. The second part of the scientific name, “scripta”, is the Latin word for “written” or “marked”, while “elegans” means “elegant” in Latin. So the scientific name “Trachemys scripta elegans” can be translated to mean “rough turtle with elegant markings”.

For more on how and why scientific names are used for animals, click here.

Lifespan

Did you know that if you take good care of your red-eared slider, it can have an average lifespan of 40 or 50 years in captivity? That is if they get proper nutrition and living conditions.

But things get tough for them once they’re out there in the wild. With predators and all sorts of environmental factors, their lifespan often amounts to just 20 to 30 years.

Male or Female

Curious about whether your pet is male or female? It is surprisingly easy with a red ear slider to tell, at least once they have grown some.

To keep it simple, look no further than their claws and plastron (that’s the underside of the shell). You can also check out the tail.

The boys have longer nails on those little webbed front feet, which helps them hold on to those females, plus they sport a concave belly. They also have a larger tail with the cloaca closer to the tip. With all these manly features combined—plus some growing room for an individual turtle’s size that can range from 7-9 inches long—these fellas are easily spotted!

On the flip side, female turtles ten