A large turtle often found in rivers. Distinguishing this species from the closely related Florida cooter (Pseudemys floridana) and redbelly turtle (Pseudemys rubriventris), as well as the yellowbelly slider (Trachemys scripta) can be difficult. On younger river cooters concentric markings on its shell are usually visible, with a characteristic "C" on the second side scute. However, this is often not visible on older individuals. This turtle can be distinguished from the slider by its significantly more flattened and flared shell and by its flat chin (rounded in sliders). Also, the plastron (bottom of shell) is usually heavily marked with black and yellow, and head markings are usually less prominent than in the slider. Florida cooters lack "C" shaped markings, and redbelly turtles have reddish or orange underside and reddish ventricle bars on the carapace.
Ten Facts about River Cooter
- Adults are between 9 and 13 inches (23-33 cm) in carapace length.
- River cooters are herbivorous and feed upon aquatic plants.
- River cooters are conspicuous basking turtles. They bask on exposed logs and rocks, and quickly enter the water when approached.
- River cooters are found in rivers and large streams.
- Females lay eggs in early summer. Clutch sizes range between 7 and 18 eggs.
- Weighing up to 22 lbs (10 kg).
- In the wild, they prefer feeding on freshwater aquatic plants, such as eelgrass (Vallisneria americana), elodea (Elodea canadensis), Carolina fanwort (Cabomba caroliniana), hydrilla (Hydrilla verticilata) and various algae.
- They belong to the Emydidae, Pond and Box Turtles.
- Streams and rivers with moderate currents; large lakes, spring runs, and occasionally brackish tidal marches.
- Coastal plain from Virginia to northern Florida, west to e. Texas, Oklahoma, and Kansas, and north to s. Indiana.
