Pond sliders (Trachemys spec.)

Invasive?

Trachemys is a genus of turtles belonging to the family Emydidae. Trachemys spec. probably entered Europe as pets through the pet trade. They are native to the southern United States and northern Mexico, but have also been introduced to us due to pet releases and are displacing the native European pond slider (Emys orbicularis) from their habitat in many areas.

Where?

The turtles live in slow-moving rivers as well as floodplains, marshes, temporary wetlands, and ponds.

Appearance?

There are three subspecies, two of which are found in Luxembourg to date. The yellow-bellied slider (Trachemys scripta scripta) has an oval greenish to brownish dorsal carapace about 12-21cm, a yellow ventral shield and narrow yellow chin stripes. The red-eared slider (Trachemys scripta elegans) can be clearly recognized by its red temporal stripes.

Distribution map in Luxembourg: https://neobiota.lu/trachemys-scripta-scripta-2/

Please report the species, if you have seen it, via neobiota.lu