Yellow-bellied slider
Trachemys scripta scripta
The yellow-bellied slider is a subspecies of the pond slider native to the southeastern United States. It is characterized by a prominent yellow blotch behind each eye and a yellow plastron usually marked with black spots on the gular scutes. In many parts of the world, it is classified as an invasive species because it competes aggressively with native turtle species for resources. These turtles are semi-aquatic and spend a significant amount of time basking on logs or banks to thermoregulate.
Details
Identification
Yellow vertical blotch behind the eye; yellow plastron with spots typically only on the front scutes; olive-green carapace.
Social behavior
Gregarious during basking but lacks complex social bonds; often shows aggression during feeding competition.
Diet
Omnivorous; juveniles prefer animal protein (insects, fish), while adults primarily consume aquatic vegetation.
Hunting strategy
Active tracking of prey in the water as well as grazing on aquatic plants and algae.
Spawning substrate
Sunny locations with diggable, sandy, or loose soil.
Overwintering
Brumation (hibernation) in the mud at the bottom of water bodies or in frost-free bank areas.
Ecology
Ecological role
Consumer in aquatic food webs; in Europe, a competitor for the native Emys orbicularis.
Natural predators
Raccoons, herons, large predatory fish (for juveniles); alligators in their native range.
Competitor species
European pond turtle, other slider and cooter species.
Ecosystem service
Scavenging in water bodies; dispersal of plant seeds.
Threats
Habitat loss in the native range; in Europe, they are a threat to local biodiversity.
Scientific profile
Profile
Distinguishing features
Vertical yellow bar behind the eye (distinguishing it from the Red-eared slider); S-shaped yellow marking on the lower jaw; usually only two black spots on the plastron; posterior margin of the carapace slightly serrated.
Habitat
Prefers lentic or slow-moving waters such as ponds, lakes, marshes, and oxbows with soft substrates, abundant aquatic vegetation, and numerous basking sites.
Diet
Omnivorous; juveniles are predominantly carnivorous (insects, larvae, small fish, crustaceans), while adults become increasingly herbivorous (aquatic plants, algae).
Role in food web
Primary and secondary consumer; invasive species in Europe, competing with the native Emys orbicularis for basking sites and food.
Protection & threats
Main threats
Habitat loss in its native range; classified as an invasive species in Europe (EU Regulation 1143/2014), leading to management measures and trade bans.
Population trend
Stable in its native range; established worldwide in many regions due to intentional or accidental releases.
Conservation measures
No conservation measures in Europe; focus is on population reduction, removal from the wild, and the prohibition of sale and breeding.