This large yellow belly slider was found in a turtle trap that had been set at Donnelly WMA. It was identified based on the obvious yellow stripes on the seat of its pants and on the forelegs as well as the yellow blotch found behind the eye. Another characteristic of the species is a yellow plastron with dark smudges, which can be seen in this picture. Turtles of this genus can be distinguished from other similar genuses of Emydidae by their distinctly rounded lower jaw. Yellow belly sliders are semi-aquatic with webbed feet and shallowly domed shells. They are often seen basking on logs or rocks in ponds, rivers, and lakes from southern Virginia to northern Florida and over to Alabama. Their diet is primarily vegetarian may also eat small insects, worms, and fish. This particular turtle was determined to be female based on its huge size (about 10 in carapace length and really heavy!) and its short claws (males have long ones used in courtship).
Carrie Umberger (GA)
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