The following turtles spend large portions of their days basking on fallen trees, logs, or rocks. The benefits of basking include thermoregulation, removal of leeches, and absorption of ultraviolet radiation to facilitate bone growth. Because of this habit, these are the turtles most frequently observed by people who visit the river or springs.
River Cooter
Pseudemys concinna
ID:
- black v-shaped mark on front of plastron
- adult males have long foreclaws used for courtship
- carapace length*: female 16.1" (408mm); male 14.1" (359mm)
Habitat: river and springs
Diet: herbivore
Nesting season: April - August
- most abundant basking turtle
- largest member of family Emydidae
- nesting females dig 3 holes
- threatened by illegal collection for food and collisions with boats
- take or possession from the wild prohibited by Florida Fish and
Wildlife Conservation Commission [Rule 68A-25.002(9)]
adult female and adult male