Red-eared [Slider] Terrapin
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Trachemys scripta elegans
Invasive alien species in some lakes & ponds in Britain & Europe.
Native of North America.
The Females of the species are usually larger than the Males.
The red stripe on each side of the head distinguishes the Red-eared Slider from all other North American species and gives this species its name, as the stripe is located behind the eyes, where their (external) ears would be.
These stripes may lose their color over time.
Color and vibrance of ear stripe can indicate immune health, with bright red having higher immune response than yellow stripes.
Some individuals can also have a small mark of the same color on the top of their heads.