Disclaimer:

The Nonindigenous Occurrences section of the NAS species profiles has a new structure. The section is now dynamically updated from the NAS database to ensure that it contains the most current and accurate information. Occurrences are summarized in Table 1, alphabetically by state, with years of earliest and most recent observations, and the tally and names of drainages where the species was observed. The table contains hyperlinks to collections tables of specimens based on the states, years, and drainages selected. References to specimens that were not obtained through sighting reports and personal communications are found through the hyperlink in the Table 1 caption or through the individual specimens linked in the collections tables.

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Common name: Meso-American Slider

Synonyms and Other Names: Jicotea (Spanish)

Taxonomy: available through www.itis.gov

Identification: The subspecies of T. venusta differ somewhat, but are characterized by large, dark-centered ocelli on pleural scutes, the yellow supratemporal (below the eye) stripe reaches the eye, and extensive pattern around the seams on the plastron (Bonin et al., 2006; Ernst and Barbour, 1989). Trachemys venusta grayi (=Trachemys grayi)  Most closely resembles Trachemys scripta (Pond Slider), which differ by having a red postorbital (behind the eye) stripe (T. scripta elegans, Red-eared Slider) or yellow postorbital blotch (T. scripta scripta, Yellow-bellied Slider), though older males of all Trachemys species may lose coloration and become melanistic. Trachemys venusta may also be confused with other native turtles, but differ in shell and facial coloration.

Size: Females of the nominate subspecies may reach 330 mm total carapace length

Native Range: Atlantic coast of Central American from Veracruz, Mexico to Panama (Bonin et al., 2006; Ernst and Barbour, 1989, Rhodin et al. 2021).

Alaska	Hawaii	Puerto Rico & Virgin Islands	Guam Saipan

Hydrologic Unit Codes (HUCs) Explained
Interactive maps: Point Distribution Maps

Ecology: Diet is similar to Trachemys scripta, with juveniles being primarily carnivorous and adults being omnivorous (Ernst and Barbour, 1989). While males remain in freshwater, females will enter salt water to access sandy beaches where they lay 12-32 eggs, often alongside sea turtles (Bonin et al. 2006).

Means of Introduction: The individual found in Miami in 2019 (Stemle and Levine, 2020) was most likely a released pet, with its smaller size (213 mm total carapace length) being more consistent with T. venusta venusta rather than T. v. grayi with can reach 480 mm.

 

Impact of Introduction: The impacts of this species are currently unknown, as no studies have been done to determine how it has affected ecosystems in the invaded range. The absence of data does not equate to lack of effects. It does, however, mean that research is required to evaluate effects before conclusions can be made.

Remarks: Trachemys venusta was considered a subspecies of Trachemys scripta until Seidel (2002) revised the genus. More recent assessments have split T. venusta, with T. grayi being elevated to its own species (Fritz et al. 2023).

References: (click for full references)

Bonin, F., B. Devaux, and A. Dupre. 2006. Turtles of the World. The John Hopkins University Press, Baltimore, MD.

Ernst, C.H. and R.W. Barbour. 1989. Turtles of the world. Smithsonian Institution Press, Washington, D.C.

Rhodin, A.G.J., J.B. Iverson, R. Bour, U. Fritz, A. Georges, H.B. Shaffer, and P.P. van Dijk. 2021. Turtles of the world: annotated checklist and atlas of taxonomy, synonymy, distribution, and conservation status. In: Conservation biology of freshwater turtles and tortoises: a compilation project of the IUCN/SSC tortoise and freshwater turtle specialist group. Volume 8. 9th edition. Chelonian Research Foundation and Turtle Conservancy, Arlington, VT. https://iucn-tftsg.org/wp-content/uploads/crm.8.checklist.atlas_.v9.2021.e3.pdf

Seidel, M.E. 2002. Taxonomic Observations of Extant Species and Subspecies of Slider Turtles, Genus Trachemys. Journal of Herpetology 36(2):285-292.

Stemle, L.R. and J.T. Levine. 2020. Trachemys venusta (Mesoamerican Slider). Herpetological Review 50(3):538.

Author: Freedman, J.A.

This information is preliminary or provisional and is subject to revision. It is being provided to meet the need for timely best science. The information has not received final approval by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and is provided on the condition that neither the USGS nor the U.S. Government shall be held liable for any damages resulting from the authorized or unauthorized use of the information.