Head to head
European Pond Turtle vs Red-eared Slider
European Pond Turtle
VS Red-eared Slider
The European pond turtle and red-eared slider are two freshwater turtles that now share many European ponds, one a declining native and the other a widespread introduced species.
| European Pond Turtle | Red-eared Slider | |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific name | Emys orbicularis | Trachemys scripta elegans |
| Appearance | A smooth, dark brown to black shell speckled with yellow dots or lines, up to around 20 cm long | A shell of 13 to 20 cm, occasionally to 30 cm, with a broad red or orange stripe behind each eye |
| Diet | An omnivore eating insects, tadpoles, frogs, small fish, and carrion, as well as some plant material | Hatchlings are mostly carnivorous, while adults shift toward aquatic plants and algae but remain opportunistic omnivores |
| Habits | Nests on land in a flask-shaped hole in sandy soil, and hibernates in pond mud | Spends hours a day basking out of the water on logs and banks, needing sunlight and UV for shell health |
| Lifespan | Can live for several decades, and takes many years to reach breeding age | Typically 20 to 30 years, and up to 40 or more |
| Origin and range | Native to ponds, marshes, and slow rivers across Europe, North Africa, and western Asia | Native to the Mississippi basin, the Gulf coast of the United States, and northeastern Mexico, and introduced across Europe, Asia, Australia, southern Africa, and South America |
| Impact | Declining because of habitat loss and competition from introduced red-eared sliders | Outcompetes native turtles for basking sites and food, and is listed among the world's 100 worst invasive species |
| Conservation status | Near Threatened, and decreasing | Least Concern |
European Pond Turtle vs Red-eared Slider: common questions
Which turtle is the invader?
The red-eared slider, which is native to the United States and Mexico but has been introduced across Europe, Asia, Australia, southern Africa, and South America.
Why is the European pond turtle declining?
It has declined because of wetland loss, pollution, and competition from introduced red-eared sliders.
Where do they nest?
The European pond turtle leaves the water to dig a flask-shaped nest in sandy soil, where the female lays her eggs.