Taxom: The peninsula cooter (Pseudemys peninsularis) is a species of freshwater turtle in the genus Pseudemys. It is sometimes considered a subspecies of the coastal plain cooter (P. floridana) when that turtle is not itself considered a subspecies of the river cooter (P. concinna).

Description: The peninsula cooter is an average sized member of the family Emydidae, typically reaching carapace lengths of 9 to 13 inches and weights of 5-15 lbs. However, they are capable of surpassing 16 inches and 35 pounds. Peninsula cooters can be identified be distinguished from the Florida red-bellied cooter (Pseudemys nelsoni) by their lack of a reddish plastron and the presence of dozens of yellow stripes on their carapace, limbs, head, and tail. Males can be distinguished from females by not only their smaller size, but their greatly elongated front claws. These claws are used to stimulate the female prior to mating.

Habitat: Peninsula cooters occupy any bodies of freshwater found in the range, though the primary habitats are floodplain swamps, basin marshes, and occasionally tidal marshes. Slow moving or stagnant waterways with abundant basking sites, submerged vegetation, and sandy bottoms are the most preferred.

Range: Peninsula cooter is found throughout the Florida peninsula. The northern limit of the range is unknown, though it is assumed that individuals are only found south of Alachua County. Identification of individuals has become challenging due to taxonomic changes and invasion of other floridana sub-species into the range. One study has identified Peninsula cooters in the North and South peninsula, but not the panhandle.

Found in these States: CA | FL | TX

Diet: Pseudemys penisularis is a herbivorous species. Adults feed solely on plants and filamentous algae, but some juveniles may eat insects or small fish. Some common diet items include Naias sp., Sagittaria lorata, Lemna sp., filamentous algae, Ceratophyllum sp., Vallisneria americana, Potamogeton illinoisensis, and Hydrilla verticillata.

Reproduction: Little is known about the actual mating process of many turtle species, including Pseudemys peninsularis. Females reach sexual maturity at 5-7 years old, and males at 3-4 years old, with an average lifespan of 30 years. Females are typically larger than males and have higher domed carapaces, as well as shorter front claws. Tittilation behaviors are thought to represent courtship, but that remains undetermined. Typically, when copulation occurs, the male and female are seen facing the same direction before the male extends his head down towards the female then drops his tail and hind limbs behind the female carapace. The two individuals then sink to the bottom, and researchers presume copulation occurs.

Female peninsula cooters can lay up to three clutches per year, with a gestation period of 72 days with the longest documented period being 150 days. Eggs are typically deposited from the oviducts after two weeks; however, under certain conditions, the eggs can be retained for up to 60 days. Nests are built in open sandy areas with light cover with one deep central chamber and two to three satellite chambers. Researchers believe this is done as an anti-predatory tactic. Clutches contain 11-16 offspring. Females reach sexual maturity at 5-7 years, and males are sexually mature at 3-4 years.

Status: Although the current conservation status of Pseudemys peninsularis is Least Concern, there are still some threats affecting the species. The largest threat is habitat loss and degradation. The abundant aquatic vegetation found in the habitats is also being rapidly degraded by the invasive Asian Carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella). Water edge habitat is also being degraded by human recreational activities, leading to decrease nesting sites. Many individuals are also being exploited as part of the pet trade.

Subspecies: None

Taxonomy: