Reptile & Amphibian Forums

this little fellow was found in an area populated largely by painted, musk and snappers, but is a popular dumping area for unwanted pets. i've since found several large red-eared sliders there as well. i'm unfamiliar with this turtle in my region, northeastern maryland, but perhaps it's a red-eared/painted hybrid? to me it seems to have the head of a painted and the shell of a red-eared. what do you think??

I'd have to say Florida Redbelly Turtle (Pseudemys nelsoni)

i'd have to say that a florida red-belly looks to be right on the money. i feel a little foolish for never considering it before, but i did find this turtle in a small waterway in northeastern Maryland - not exactly the typical hang-out for a Florida red-belly. i guess the moniker through me off a little as well, seeing as the turtle i found had a decidedly yellow underbelly. thanks for the identification!

Ah, you're in Maryland. The similar Eastern Redbelly turtle (Pseudemys rubriventris) is native to your area. Please compare the two species.

Might want to check out www.chelonia.org for the photo gallery.

Are you a member of the Mid-Atlantic Turtle & Tortoise Society? Next meeting is June 4th, in Catonsville, MD.

www.matts-turtles.org

Katrina