Alabama red-bellied turtle
Encyclopedia
The Alabama red-bellied turtle, Pseudemys alabamensis, or Alabama red-bellied cooter is native to Alabama
. It belongs to the Emydidae turtle family. It is the official reptile of the state of Alabama.
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.
As of June 2009 the turtle has been seen in the Central part of Alabama, in the Elmore County region.
Alabama
Alabama is a state located in the southeastern region of the United States. It is bordered by Tennessee to the north, Georgia to the east, Florida and the Gulf of Mexico to the south, and Mississippi to the west. Alabama ranks 30th in total land area and ranks second in the size of its inland...
. It belongs to the Emydidae turtle family. It is the official reptile of the state of Alabama.
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. It feeds on an abundance of submerged aquatic vegetation and can be found sunning itself on logs.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.
As of June 2009 the turtle has been seen in the Central part of Alabama, in the Elmore County region.
External links
- Save the Alabama Red-bellied Turtle -- Alabama Red-bellied Turtle Alliance