Parallel yellow stripes on the cheeks identify a yellow-eared slider — look also for a thicker stripe on the chin and dots on the lower abdomen. Native to the swamps and lakes of north-eastern Mexico and the southern United States, it stays active year-round without hibernating, staying comfortable between 20°C and 30°C, and grows to a maximum of 20 cm.

A turtle with parallel yellow stripes on its cheeks? Meet the yellow-eared slider!

Introduction

In the wild, yellow-eared sliders live in the swamps and lakes of north-eastern Mexico and the south of the United States. These turtles are active in the daytime all year round, so there’s no need to let them hibernate; these creatures don’t bother! They are most comfortable at constant temperatures, somewhere between 20°C and 30°C.

Appearance

Yellow-eared sliders grow to a maximum size of 20 cm. They get their name from the two thin parallel stripes on the sides of their heads. The stripe on their chins is usually a lot thicker. You can also identify a yellow-eared slider from the dots on its lower abdomen.