Peninsula cooter


The peninsula cooter is a species of freshwater turtle in the genus Pseudemys. It is sometimes considered a subspecies of the coastal plain cooter when that turtle is not itself considered a subspecies of the river cooter.

Description

The peninsula cooter is an average sized member of the family Emydidae, typically reaching carapace lengths of 9-13 in and weights of 5-15 lbs. However, they are capable of surpassing 20.0 in and 35 pounds. Peninsula cooters can be identified be distinguished from the Florida red-bellied cooter by their lack of a reddish plastron and the presence of dozens of yellow stripes on their carapace, limbs, head, and tail. Males can be distinguished from females by not only their smaller size, but their greatly elongated front claws. These claws are used to stimulate the female prior to mating.

Distribution

The species is widespread in peninsular Florida. It can be found in rivers, ponds, and lakes.