Red-eared terrapin

Photo by Abigayle Ng


Scientific name: Trachemys scripta elegans
Habitat: Freshwater (e.g. ponds and reservoirs)
Ecology: A very successful generalist. It is an opportunistic feeder, and diet is not restricted to plants, as previously known. Can be found inhabiting various freshwater habitats.
Origin: North America, introduced in the 1980s for the pet trade
Native equivalents: Malayan box terrapin and black marsh terrapin