Subspecies / Testudines taxon

Yellow-bellied Slider

Trachemys scripta scripta

The yellow-bellied slider, a subspecies of pond slider native to the southeastern United States.

Lineage: Turtles and Tortoises (TESTUDINES) > Cryptodira (CRYPTODIRA) > Durocryptodira (DUROCRYPTODIRA) > Testudinoid Turtles Superfamily (TESTUDINOIDEA) > Pond Turtles (EMYDIDAE) > Chicken Turtles and Allies Subfamily (DEIROCHELYINAE) > Sliders (Trachemys) > Pond Slider (Trachemys scripta) > Yellow-bellied Slider (Trachemys scripta scripta). This path helps place the taxon within its family, genus, or species-level context.

Yellow-bellied Slider plate reference
Plate page 193
Chinese Name
黄腹彩龟
English Name
Yellow-bellied Slider
Scientific Name
Trachemys scripta scripta
Rank
Subspecies

Plate notes

Trachemys scripta scripta

Trivia

One of the most popular pet turtles; often released into the wild, becoming invasive.

Overview

The yellow-bellied slider, a subspecies of pond slider native to the southeastern United States.

Scientific Name

Trachemys scripta scripta

Ecological Habits

Semiaquatic, inhabits ponds, lakes, slow rivers; omnivorous; basks on logs.

Major Threats & Conservation

Invasive in many regions, outcompeting native species; collection for pet trade; but overall stable.

Morphological Characteristics

Carapace up to 30 cm, olive to brown with yellow markings; plastron yellow with dark spots; distinct yellow stripe behind eye.

Natural Distribution & Conservation Status

Coastal plains from Virginia to Alabama; IUCN Least Concern.

Open the source plate

This entry is linked to plate page 193. Return to the interactive tree to inspect the high-resolution plate and full AI guide.

Open Taxonomy Tree