Red-eared slider

A medium-sized freshwater turtle (family Emydidae) native to the south-central United States and northeastern Mexico. Adults reach 15–30 cm carapace length, females larger than males. They are named for the broad red (or sometimes orange) postorbital stripe behind each eye. The carapace is green with yellow stripes and markings, becoming darker (melanistic) with age, especially in males. The plastron is yellow with dark paired blotches. They inhabit ponds, lakes, marshes, and slow streams with abundant basking sites. Omnivorous: aquatic vegetation, insects, snails, crayfish, and fish. They are aggressive baskers. Due to the pet trade (millions exported annually, especially as hatchlings), they have become one of the world's most invasive reptile species, established on every continent except Antarctica. They outcompete native turtles for basking sites and food. Females lay 2–30 eggs per clutch; incubation: 59–112 days with temperature-dependent sex determination. Listed among the IUCN's 100 worst invasive species. Lifespan: 20–40 years. The genome has been sequenced. 2n=50.