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Red-eared Terrapin - Trechemys scripta elegans - Alien

Medium sized aquatic animal similar in appearance and colouration to a tortoise, ranging from 2cm (0.8in) when born to 40cm as adult, recognised by a red stripe down each side of the head. Almost totally aquatic, only leaving the water to bask on hot sunny days, they hibernate over the winter at the bottom of ponds or shallow lakes where they enter a state of torpor. Feeding on vegetation, insects and small fish, they are reasonably widespread, being more active during hot weather. They will tolerate other species in their habitat, but will quickly dive underwater when approached making them difficult to catch.

Red Eared Terrapins are not a natural species to the British Isles, but have become common in most areas due to widespread release of imported pets by the public once it is realised that terrapins in captivity need a lot of care, as they can live to over 40 years. They have a strong bite resulting in injuries that should be seen by medical staff as soon as possible as they may carry some diseases. They are not thought to be breeding in the U.K. as the mean summer temperature is too low, however there is some possibility that if temperatures rise by a few degrees breeding could start. Note:- Recent news from a reptile specialist in the south (near Southampton) is that terrapin nests and eggs were found last year but no hatchlings were found.

Some press reports of Terrapins have incorrectly described them as "snapping turtles", a species that look like miniature Alligators, found in the swamps of Louisiana in America, there may however be a few in the U.K. from imported pets. They have a powerful bite being able to inflict serious injury, larger adults being able to crush bone. It is thought that snapping turtles can live to over 100 years.

There is a European terrapin species, Emys orbicularis, The European Pond Turtle, similar in shape, size and habit to the Red Eared Terrapin, but with a more rounded head. This species is not found in the UK, but is common in central and southern Europe.

Red Bellied Slider - Trechemys scripta scripta

Red bellied Sliders are very similar in appearance and colouration to the Red Eared Terrapin and they will interbreed freely. Rare in the UK due to lower importation numbers and similar in habit to the Red Eared, they will grow to a slightly larger size for a similar age. However they do not have the red ear flash and the underside of the carpace is a pale red giving the animal it's name. In all other respects it's habit, behaviour and temperament is like the Red Eared. Red eared Terrapins are members of the genus Chelonia referring to reptiles with a shell, with nearly 250 species in the genus. In the United States this genus are usually referred to as turtles, however in the UK they are split into Turtles (aquatic), Tortoises (land) and Terrapins (semi aquatic).

Trechemys scripta scripta	Trechemys scripta elegans
Picture ©2000, M.D. Hatch, F.B.C.P.	Picture ©2000, M.D. Hatch, F.B.C.P.

Description and photographs courtesy of Mike Hatch, Friends of Brickfields Country Park