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The Yellow-bellied slider is one of three subspecies of the pond slider found in the United States.
photo: Don Cohen
Characteristics: Sliders are aquatic freshwater turtles that will “slide” into the water from rock or stump basking sites at the slightest perceived threat. The Yellow-bellied slider is one of three subspecies of the pond slider found in the United States. These turtles are dark green to brown in color, usually with a prominent patch of yellow on the side of the head, which may join the neck stripe, but is usually only evident in juveniles and females. Their shells range in size from 5 to 8 inches, with the largest only about one foot in length. The underside of the turtle's shell is yellow, and may have round dusky markings. The marginals under the shell have black bold spots. Webbed feet aid these turtles in swimming. The males are usually smaller than females with a much longer, thicker tail. They may live to more than 40 years of age in the wild, though average age is far less.
Diet: Yellow-bellied sliders are omnivores, eating a varied diet. Juveniles prefer a more carnivorous diet of insects, dead fish, tadpoles and other meat items, while the adult diet is primarily algae, leaves, stems, roots, fruits and seeds. Feeding occurs under water, usually in the early morning or late afternoon, and slider turtles are not normally able to capture healthy fish.
Reproduction: Male sliders are considered mature between three and five years of age, and females may begin laying eggs between five and seven years of age. Mating generally occurs in the spring, and nesting occurs from May to July. Females use their rear feet to dig nest cavities that are 2-4 inches deep. Four to 23 eggs are laid in the hole, and the number of eggs depends on the size of the female. The eggs incubate for 2 to 2.5 months, hatching between July and September. If the eggs hatch late in the fall, the juveniles may remain in the nest until the following spring. By their first year, sliders reach a length of two inches. As they get older, growth is much slower.
Environmental Connections: These turtles fill an important niche in their wetland habitats, and are aesthetically appealing to most people. Sliders help control populations of invertebrates and vegetation as they graze. Young sliders are an important food source for large, aquatic predators.
What You Can Do
No ecosystem stands alone, so it is important that we work to protect ecosystems on a global level. Consider the footprint that you leave upon the earth, and take steps in your daily life to lessen your own personal impact.
*Other scientific names appearing in the literature of this species: Pseudemys scripta, Chrysemys scripta
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