Kingdom: Animalia
Common Name:
Red-eared Slider
Scientific Name: Trachemys scripta elegans
Taxonomy:
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Testudines
Family: Emydidae
Genus: Trachemys
Species: scripta
Natural Range
While Red-eared Sliders are not native to all of
the Untied States, they can still be found in just about every state. They
have been spread from their native lands by escaping their owners. To see
a map of these turtles distribution click here.
Interesting Facts
Originally cold blooded animals, these sun
basking creatures will sit out every day on their favorite rock to keep warm.
They get their name because if they sense danger while on their rock, they
will slide into the water. In the
winter
Sliders
do
hibernate,
but come out on any sunny days to warm there bodies.
Links
Find out more here:
The Red-eared Slider and CLHS
Shelly, our Red-eared Slider, was rescued by Heather
Scott after being attacked by a viscous dog. He is our refugee and one of
our many
class pets. If you are interested in adopting Shelly, contact our school.
She is free and a great pet.