Coastal Plain Cooter
Pseudemys floridana
Florida cooters (Pseudemys floridana) have a flat carapace that measures 23 to 33 cm (9 - 13 in.) in length and displays a dark background with a yellow or orange pattern…
How to identify
Florida cooters (Pseudemys floridana) have a flat carapace that measures 23 to 33 cm (9 - 13 in.) in length and displays a dark background with a yellow or orange pattern. The plastron is unmarked and the marginal scutes have hollow oval markings. The head has yellowish orange stripes that do not form "hairpins", unlike some of their close relatives.
Range
Pseudemys floridana is found in the southeastern coastal plain of the United States. Its range extends from Virginia, south to Florida and west to Mobile Bay, Alabama.
Habitat
This aquatic turtle prefers permanent shallow rivers and lakes with lots of aquatic vegetation. It will sometimes inhabit ponds, swamps, or springs. It rarely strays more than 30 meters from water sources.
Similar species
Florida cooters are closely related to peninsula cooters (P. peninsularis) and river cooters (P. concinna), and they were formerly considered subspecies of the same species.
Name and etymology
Floridana: Florida, named after the type locality.
At a glance
Range
Pseudemys floridana is found in the southeastern coastal plain of the United States. Its range extends from Virginia, south…
Habitat
This aquatic turtle prefers permanent shallow rivers and lakes with lots of aquatic vegetation. It will sometimes inhabit pon…
Guide
Reptiles and Amphibians of North America
Range map
Approximate range. © Mapbox © OpenStreetMap