Apparently, from what I've read, old male red-eared sliders can become very dark. They can lose all color except the red ear. However, some races of the slider lack the red ear. So they could be dark all over.


On May 29, 2011, at 7:48 PM, Eric Kowalczyk wrote:

>
> Visited Juanita Park (Kirkland) today and observed what looks like three turtle species. Definitely Painted turtles (Chrysemmys picta) and Red-eared sliders (Pseudemys scripta). The 3rd species that we saw (several of them and on same log with the other 2 species) were about the size of the larger Red-eared sliders but all dark in coloration. The eyes were dark in color and no yellow line patterns on head/neck/legs as seen in the other 2 species. I am ruling out Western pond turtles (Clemmys marmota) since I think they had been extirpated from Lake Washington years ago.
>
> I am wondering if old sliders lose their red neck markings ("ears") and yellow patterning???? Any suggestions are welcomed.
>
> Today was a 4 class day: Amphibia (bull frog), Reptilia, Aves, and Mammalia (muskrat) all in one view!
>
>
> Eric Kowalczyk
> Seattle
>
> *******************************************************************************************************************************************************************
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>
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