A medium turtle endemic to Florida peninsula. Distinguished from related species by orange and yellow leg markings.

Native status: Native to Florida

§ Quick facts

SizeShell 25–40 cm
Weight2–6 kg
LifespanWild 30–40 years
OrderTestudines
FamilyEmydidae

§ Encyclopedia

The peninsula cooter, sometimes referred to as the peninsular 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.

Source: Wikipedia — Peninsula cooter Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

§ Identification

Field marks. Medium turtle with dark olive shell; yellow head striping pattern.

Similar species. Other Pseudemys species (similar but range-distinct).

Voice. Silent.

§ Diet & behavior

Diet. Aquatic plants, insects, occasional small fish.

Behavior. Florida-endemic cooter common in central and northern Florida rivers and lakes.

§ Range

Florida

§ Habitat

Lakes, rivers, marshes

§ Threats

Wetland loss, water quality decline, road mortality.

§ Conservation status

According to the IUCN Red List, the peninsula cooter is currently classified as Least Concern.

§ What helps

Support Florida wetland conservation. Drive slowly on rural roads.

Support our work More ways to help

§ Further reading

§ Sources cited

  • Florida FWC
  • Davidson College Herpetology Lab
  • IUCN Red List 2011