Cumberland slider (Trachemys scripta troostii)

Distribution Map

Characteristics

This is a large freshwater turtle that reaches a length of 11.4 inches. The carapace (upper shell) is oval, weakly keeled, and olive to brown with yellow markings. There is usually a yellow vertical line on each scute, and there may be short yellow bars on the top of the marginal scutes and a black spot on the bottom of the marginals. The plastron (lower shell) is yellow with black spots in several scutes. The skin is greenish to olive brown with yellow stripes. Trachemys s. troostii differs from the yellow-bellied slider, T. scripta scripta, by having a yellow patch behind the eyes, fewer and wider stripes on the neck, arms, and legs, hollow black spots on the plastron, and horizontal lines of yellow and black on the back of the legs. Breeding takes place from March to early June and in warmer climates again from September to November. The nests may be constructed large distances from the water. The female usually lays between 5-18 eggs. This turtle is a communal basker. It basks on protrusions out of the water and may bask in stacks or with other species. In colder weather, this turtle goes underwater and hibernates in the mud. It may also use muskrat holes and hollow stumps to hibernate.

Distribution

This species has been confirmed from one location in the North Fork of the Holston River, Scott County. It is found throughout the Mississippi drainage, the Tennessee River drainage, and southeastern U.S. This species prefers quiet waters with muddy bottoms. Areas with a profusion of aquatic vegetation, organic substrate, and overhanging basking spots are especially favored.

Foods

This turtle is omnivorous as an adult, but primarily carnivorous as a juvenile. The adult eats algae, seeds, plants, aquatic vegetation, tadpoles, small fish, insects, crayfish, worms, and mollusks.

More Information

For more information, please visit the Virginia Fish & Wildlife Information Service (direct link to species booklet).