Stats

Lifespan

30-50 yrs

Size

Medium

Diet

Omnivore

Activity

Diurnal

Social

Solitary

Biome

Freshwater wetland

Range

North America

Movement

Swimming

Breeding

Egg-laying

Defense

Armor

Status

Uncommon

About

This turtle lives in the slow-moving rivers and marshes of the southeastern states. It can hold its breath for up to an hour while sleeping underwater during the winter.

Life cycle

1. 1.
   hatchling

   A coin-sized hatchling digs out of the nest and makes its own way to water or shelter.
2. 2.
   juvenile

   A juvenile turtle's shell hardens and grows yearly rings as it forages on its own.
3. 3.
   adult

   Fully grown with adult shell size and markings.

Learn more

• View on iNaturalist →

Taxonomy

Kingdom

Animalia

Phylum

Chordata

Class

Reptilia

Order

Testudines

Family

Emydidae

Genus

Trachemys

Species

Trachemys scripta