Alabama red-bellied turtle
Conservation status
Endangered (IUCN 2.3)
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Chordata Class: Reptilia Order: Testudines Family: Emydidae Genus: Pseudemys Species: P. alabamensis
Binomial name
Pseudemys alabamensis

The Alabama Red-Bellied Turtle, Pseudemys alabamensis, is native to Alabama. It belongs to the Emydidae turtle family. It is the official reptile of the state of Alabama.^[1]

Description

Adult red-bellied turtles are approximately 1 foot (30 cm) in length. Its carapace (upper shell) may be greenish to dark brown or black, with yellowish, orangish, or reddish vertical markings along the sides. Its plastron (under shell) may be pale yellow to red, possibly with dark markings.

Life History

The red-belly inhabits the fresh to brackish waters of the Mobile Delta in Mobile and Baldwin Counties. It is found nowhere else in the world. Nesting of the red-bellied turtle occurs from May through July. Female turtles lay their eggs on dry land, digging nests in sandy soil, where 4 to 9 eggs are deposited. Hatchlings usually emerge during the summer. However, when the turtles nest in late July, hatchlings may overwinter in the nest and emerge the following spring.

References

External links

• Save the Alabama Red-bellied Turtle -- Alabama Red-bellied Turtle Alliance

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