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.

---

Common name: Gray's Slider

Synonyms and Other Names: Trachemys grayi (Bocourt, 1868), Jicotea Negra, Nicaraguan Slider, Tehuantepec Slider

Taxonomy: available through www.itis.gov

Identification: The subspecies and former subspecies of T. venusta differ somewhat, but are characterized by large, dark-centered ocelli on pleural scutes and the yellow supratemporal (below the eye) stripe reaching the eye; in T. v. grayi (=T. grayi) the pattern pattern around the seams on the plastron is diffuse, often broken, and generally inconspicuous in adults (Bonin et al., 2006; Ernst and Barbour, 1989). 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 (Bonin et al., 2006; Ernst and Barbour, 1989). Trachemys venusta grayi may also be confused with other native turtles, but differ in shell and facial coloration.

Size: up to 480 mm total carapace length

Native Range: Pacific coast of Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, and Panama (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: Most likely released pets.

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.

Fritz, U., C. Kehlmaier, R.J. Scott, R. Fournier, J.R. McCranie, and N. Gallego-García. 2023. Central American Trachemys revisited: New sampling questions current understanding of taxonomy and distribution (Testudines: Emydidae). Vertebrate Zoology 73:513-523.

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.

Author: Jonathan Freedman

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.