Trachemys scripta elegans

Red-eared Slider

Florida distribution: This species is not native to Florida, but is very common in the pet trade. Escaped and released pets have established themselves in Florida, as well as, in other states and countries. I have found them in a number of counties in Florida and countries in Europe.

The origin of the common name is pretty obvious.

Aside from a more marked plastron, and the head stripe, this subspecies also lacks the "striped pants" of the closely related Yellowbelly Slider.

Three Red-eared Sliders showing some of the normal color variation that is present in the species.

Albino Red-eared Sliders are more and more common in the pet trade. The long claws on the forelimbs identify this turtle as a male. As does the long thick tail with the cloaca being located distant from the body. 

An unusual dark hatchling.