Trachemys+scripta


 * __Trachemys scripta (elegans): Red Eared Slider__**
 * **Class**: Reptilia
 * **Location**: southern United States
 * **Living Requirements**: abundant vegetation and variety of small animals to eat, proper basking and nesting areas
 * **Size**:7 to 12 inches
 * **Male and Female**: male- 7 to 9 inches, long claws, long tails, reach maturity between 2 and 4 years, female- 10 to 12 inches, short claws, short tails, reach maturity between 5 and 7 years
 * **Life Cycle**: hatch from egg and grow for the next few years until reaching maturity
 * **Interesting Facts**: once maturity is reached turtles can virtually live forever, they are omnivores, they can carry salmonella
 * **Habitat**: thrive in warmer climates, freshwater source with suitable vegetation and basking and nesting areas
 * **Human Impact**: one of the most popular pet turtles, one of the top 100 invasive species





http://www.redearslider.com/basic_species_info.html http://www.anapsid.org/reslider.html http://mhdji.fipi.guidegoods.net/media/efjao7/pet-red-turtles0g7.html http://www.zharphyn.com/blog/caring-for-your-red-eared-slider/
 * Zookeeper: Tori Lopez**
 * References**