Red-eared slider

The red-eared slider is a freshwater turtle native to the southern United States and northern Mexico, recognized by a red stripe behind each eye. It is highly adaptable and widely established beyond its native range through the pet trade.

Pond slider: A group of freshwater turtles in the genus Trachemys, including the red-eared slider. The red-eared slider is a subspecies within this broader turtle group.
Pet trade: The commercial exchange of animals kept primarily as household companions. Mass sales of young sliders have helped establish populations outside their native range.
Red-eared slider in Australia: An introduced population of red-eared sliders established in parts of Australia. Australian populations illustrate the species' ability to persist outside its native range.
Yellow-bellied slider: A slider subspecies with yellow markings on the sides of its head and a yellow plastron. Its yellow head markings contrast with the red stripe that identifies this slider.
Carapace: The upper shell covering the body of a turtle, tortoise, or other shelled animal. Its patterned carapace is a defining feature used to identify sliders.
Invasive species: A non-native organism that spreads and causes ecological, economic, or human harm. Introduced sliders can compete with native turtles and become invasive in some regions.
Red-eared slider in Europe: Introduced red-eared slider populations found in parts of Europe. European populations followed pet releases and prompted concerns about native pond turtles.
Cumberland slider: A slider subspecies native to the Tennessee and Cumberland river drainages. It is a close relative with a yellow postocular stripe instead of a red one.
Ectothermy: A thermal strategy in which an animal's body temperature depends largely on external heat sources. Sliders bask to regulate body temperature because they are ectotherms.
CITES: An international agreement regulating trade in endangered wild animals and plants. Trade restrictions on small sliders were adopted partly to reduce salmonellosis risk.

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