Red Bellied Slider - Trachemys scripta scripta

Following a recent e-mail it would appear that the idetification of a Red Bellied Slider - Trachemys scripta scripta below is incorrect. The animal pictured is a Painted Turtle, possibly An Eastern or A Westerm Painted or even a cross breed. At this time we are carrying out further research to determine the correct identification.

Red bellied Sliders are very similar in appearance and colouration to the Red Eared Terrapin and as such they will interbreed freely. Rare in the UK due to lower importation numbers and similar in habit to the Red Eared, they will grow to a slightly larger size for a similar age. However they do not have the red ear flash and the underside of the carpace is a pale red giving the animal it's name. In all other respects it's habit, behaviour and temperament is like the Red Eared.

Red eared Terrapins are members of the genus Chelonia referring to reptiles with a shell, with nearly 250 species in the genus. In the United States this genus are usually referred to as turtles, however in the UK they are split into Turtles (aquatic), Tortoises (land) and Terrapins (semi aquatic).

Female ♀ Red bellied Slider caught in Brickfields pond. In the right hand photo the sunny conditions have given the carpace a more orange tint.
Pictures ©2000, M.D. Hatch, FBCP.

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