Trachemys scripta (Thunberg 1792)

Jones, Dillon, Foshee, Bethany & Fitzgerald, Lee, 2021, A herpetological survey of Edith L. Moore Nature Sanctuary, Check List 17 (1), pp. 27-38 : 34

Trachemys scripta (Thunberg 1792)

Examined material. UNITED STATES • 42 via sur- vey, 24 via iNaturalist; Texas, Harris County, Houston ; 30.6221°N, 096.3517°W; first encounter on 15 Dec. 2017 ;

capture via transect survey.

Identification. This species is largely aquatic and abundant in the region. It can be distringuished from P. concinna by the presence of broad yellow or red stripes/ patches behind the eyes ( Powell et al. 2016). Aquatic turtles were often encountered during surveys and typically identified using either binoculars (Bushnell 7×35 Sport- view) or through a telephoto camera lens (Canon lens EF 75-300). In the event a proper ID could not be ascertained the individual was only identified to family ( Emydidae ).