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There are five subspecies of Pseudemys concinna recognized. These include P. c. concinna (Eastern river cooter), P.c. suwanniensis (Suwannee River cooter), P. c. mobilensis (Mobile Bay cooter), P. c. heiroglyphica (hieroglyphic river cooter), and P. c. metteri (Missouri River cooter). There is currently debate on whether or not this species should be placed within the genus Chrysemys (Ernst et al., 1994).
Adult river cooters average 9 to 12 inches (carapace length). The head and neck have numerous thin, yellow stripes. The olive or brown colored carapace is often highlighted with lighter markings and slightly flared posteriorly. Carapace scutes are usually with well-developed concentric rings. A distinguishing characteristic is the faint "C" shaped marking visible on the second costal scute. This marking may be difficult to see when the shell is dry. The plastron is marked with dark spots along the scute margins. These markings usually fade with age. The upper jaw is notched in front and flanked by a cusp on each side. There is some sexual dimorphism. Male specimens have elongated toenails on the forelimbs. Females are typically larger and more domed than males (Conant et al. 1975).
Other Physical Features: ectothermic ; bilateral symmetry
Average lifespan
Status: captivity: 44 years.
The river cooter is primarily a river turtle, but can be found in ditches and saltwater areas near river mouths. Rivers with slow to moderate currents, abundant aquatic vegetation, and rocky bottoms are preferred. Other less frequently used habitats include lakes, ponds, deep springs, floodplain river pools, and swamps. Moll et al. (1991) concluded that optimal habitat in Illinois appeared to be sloughs and oxbows with abundant macrophytes, located on the floodplains of major river systems (Ernst et al., 1994).
The river cooter occurs in the east and southeast part of the United States. The range covers an area from eastern Virginia south to Florida, west to eastern Texas, north to southeast Nebraska, and east back to the origin. Isolated populations can be found in neighboring states, including West Virginia, Kentucky, and Tennessee (Stebbins 1966)(Ernst et al., 1994).
Biogeographic Regions: nearctic (Native )
The river cooter is primarily herbivorous, although specimens of all ages will consume animal foods. Preferred plants include eelgrass (Vallisneria americana), elodea (Elodea canadensis), and various algae (Buhlmann and Vaughn, 1991). Animal foods include crayfish, tadpoles, small fish, snails, and many small insects. In saltwater habitats, this species feeds largely on turtle grass (Ernst et al., 1994).
Humans sometimes consume river cooters as food. They are also a useful biological control of water hyacinth (family Pontederiaceae) in some locations (Harding, personal communication).
Although still locally abundant, the river cooter has been greatly reduced in numbers throughout its range. This species is now listed as endangered in Illinois and threatened in Florida. While nest and hatchling predation can reduce population size, human activity appears to have the greatest detrimental impact. Adults are eaten, crushed by automobiles, and driven from their habitats by pollution. Buhlmann and Vaughn (1991) report that management actions increasing the number of basking sites would be beneficial, and should be done where an increase in population is deemed appropriate.
IUCN Red List of Threatened Species: no special status
The river cooter usually mates in the spring. The male will pursue the female, first sniffing her tail, then moving to a position dorsal to her. He will then extend his neck and head downward and outward over hers, position his elongated foreclaws just anterior to her snout, and vibrate them rapidly in front of her face. If the female is receptive, she will sink to the bottom and allow the male to slide backward and mount her. If not receptive, the female will try to outswim the male or duck under a submerged object to displace him (Ernst et al., 1994). Nesting normally occurs in late May or June, but some clutches may come as late as July to late summer. Nest locations are typically sandy or friable loam soils, within 30 meters of the water. Nest cavities are dug entirely with the hind feet. Green and Pauley (1987) described a nest dug by a 30.5 cm female as 12.7 cm deep with an opening 6.8 cm in diameter. The eggs are pink to white in color and ellipsoidal in shape, bearing many fine nodules. Clutches range from 9 to 29 eggs, although 19 to 20 eggs/clutch are most common. Most hatchlings emerge from the nest in August or September after an incubation period of 80-150 days, dependent on soil temperatures. In some northern populations, hatchlings may overwinter in the nest cavity and emerge the following spring. Hatchlings have green shells with brighter light markings than do adults. The carapace is rounded with a medial keel present. Typical hatchlings weigh 10 to 14 grams (Ernst et al., 1994).
Key Reproductive Features: gonochoric/gonochoristic/dioecious (sexes separate)
Average age at sexual or reproductive maturity (male)
Sex: male: 1277 days.
Average age at sexual or reproductive maturity (female)
Sex: female: 2190 days.
Die Gewöhnliche Schmuckschildkröte oder Hieroglyphen-Schmuckschildkröte (Pseudemys concinna) ist eine Schildkröte der Gattung Echte Schmuckschildkröten, die zur Familie der Neuwelt-Sumpfschildkröten gehört. Sie ist im Osten und Südosten der Vereinigten Staaten von Amerika verbreitet.
Ausgewachsene Gewöhnliche Schmuckschildkröten weisen eine Carapaxlänge zwischen 30 und 40 Zentimeter auf.[1] Der Rückenpanzer ist flach und breit. Er ist olivfarben bis braun und weist helle Markierungen auf. Auffällig ist der Mittelkiel des Rückenpanzers, der auch bei ausgewachsenen Exemplaren vorkommt.
Der Bauchpanzer ist gelblich bis orange und weist eine dunkle Markierung auf, die entlang des Panzersaums verläuft, diese fehlen aber Pseudemys concinna floridana, deren Bauchpanzer ist im Unterschied rein gelb. Die Extremitäten sowie der Hals weisen gelbe Längsstreifen auf. Davon verläuft ein besonders auffälliger Streifen vom Unterkiefer bis zum Hals.
Die Geschlechter können daran unterschieden werden, dass die Männchen an den vorderen Extremitäten etwas längere Krallen haben. Weibchen sind grundsätzlich etwas größer als Männchen. Bei ihnen ist außerdem der Rückenpanzer etwas stärker gewölbt.
Das Verbreitungsgebiet der Gewöhnlichen Schmuckschildkröte reicht vom Osten Texas bis ins südliche Illinois, von Virginia bis Alabama und bezieht auch die Halbinsel Floridas mit ein. Isolierte Populationen finden sich auch in Kentucky, West Virginia und Tennessee.
Die Gewöhnliche Schmuckschildkröte ist hauptsächlich ein Flussbewohner. Sie wird jedoch auch in Wassergräben, Teichen, Seen und selbst in Salzwasserzonen in Flussmündungen beobachtet. Die von der Gewöhnlichen Schmuckschildkröte bewohnten Flüsse sind langsam fließend und weisen einen sehr reichhaltigen Pflanzenbewuchs auf. Ungewöhnlich ist, dass diese Schildkrötenart Gewässer mit einem steinigen Gewässerboden bevorzugt.[2]
Gewöhnliche Schmuckschildkröten leben normalerweise in größeren Gemeinschaften und sonnen sich meist gesellig auf einem aus dem Wasser ragenden Baumstamm oder am Gewässerrand befindlichen Steinen. Im nördlichen Verbreitungsgebiet überwintern die Gewöhnlichen Schmuckschildkröten im Bodenschlamm von Gewässern. In ihrem südlichen Verbreitungsgebiet wie etwa in Florida sind sie das gesamte Jahr über aktiv. Sie sind insgesamt sehr scheue Tiere, die das Wasser nur zum Sonnenbaden oder zur Eiablage verlassen. Bei der geringsten Andeutung von Gefahr tauchen sie ins Wasser ab. Sie halten sich einen großen Teil des Tages unter der Wasseroberfläche in einer Tiefe von 1 bis 1,5 Meter auf, wo sie entweder auf dem Gewässerboden ruhen oder nach Futter suchen.[2] Sie ernähren sich überwiegend von pflanzlicher Nahrung, nehmen aber auch animalische Kost zu sich.
Die Gewöhnliche Schmuckschildkröte paart sich in der Regel im Frühjahr. Im Süden des Verbreitungsgebietes kommt es bereits im Januar zu Paarungen.[1] Anders als etwa bei Pseudemys rubriventris ist das Balzverhalten der Gewöhnlichen Schmuckschildkröte wissenschaftlich beschrieben. Männchen verfolgen die Weibchen und beschnüffeln dabei zuerst ihre Schwanzregion. Sie schwimmen dann in Front des Weibchens, strecken ihren Hals nach vorne und unten und halten ihre Vorderextremitäten mit den verlängerten Krallen direkt vor ihre Schnauze. Diese werden dann schnell vor ihrem Gesicht bewegt. Wenn das Weibchen empfangsbereit ist, lässt sie sich auf den Gewässerboden sinken und erlaubt ihm, sie zu begatten. Nicht empfangsbereite Weibchen schwimmen weg.[2] Die Weibchen graben normalerweise im späten Mai oder im Juni ihre Nistgruben. Zur Eiablage kommt es aber auch noch im Spätsommer. Die Nistgruben befinden sich etwa 30 Meter vom Wasser entfernt. Das Gelege umfasst normalerweise zwischen sechs und siebzehn Eier.[1] Die Schlupfzeit der Jungtiere ist abhängig von der Umgebungstemperatur und liegt zwischen 66 und 114 Tagen. Bei einer Umgebungstemperatur von 22 bis 25 Grad schlüpfen ausschließlich Männchen. Bei Temperaturen über 30 Grad schlüpfen nur Weibchen.[1] Im nördlichen Verbreitungsgebiet überwintern frisch geschlüpfte Jungtiere häufig in der Nistgrube und kommen erst im kommenden Frühling an die Oberfläche.
Folgende Unterarten sind bekannt:
Die Unterarten Pseudemys concinna hieroglyphica Holbrook, 1836 und Pseudemys concinna mobilensis Holbrook, 1838 werden oft als Synonyme von Pseudemys concinna concinna gesehen.
Die Gewöhnliche Schmuckschildkröte ist in einigen Regionen ihres Verbreitungsgebietes noch häufig. Insgesamt ist jedoch ein Populationsrückgang festzustellen. Sowohl in Illinois als auch in Florida gilt sie als bedroht. Negativ wirken sich vor allem menschliche Einflüsse aus wie etwa die Jagd auf die Tiere, die in einzelnen Regionen noch gegessen werden. Viele Tiere fallen auch dem Verkehr zum Opfer. Einen negativen Einfluss hat auch die Umweltverschmutzung auf den Bestand.
Die Gewöhnliche Schmuckschildkröte oder Hieroglyphen-Schmuckschildkröte (Pseudemys concinna) ist eine Schildkröte der Gattung Echte Schmuckschildkröten, die zur Familie der Neuwelt-Sumpfschildkröten gehört. Sie ist im Osten und Südosten der Vereinigten Staaten von Amerika verbreitet.
The river cooter (Pseudemys concinna) is a species of freshwater turtle in the family Emydidae. The species is native to the central and eastern United States, but has been introduced into parts of California, Washington, and British Columbia.[3]
P. concinna is found from Virginia south to central Georgia, west to eastern Texas, Oklahoma, and north to southern Indiana.[4]
P. concinna is usually found in rivers with moderate current, as well as lakes and tidal marshes.[4]
There are two subspecies which are recognized as being valid.[5]
Nota bene: A trinomial authority in parentheses indicates that the subspecies was originally described in a genus other than Pseudemys.
The coastal plain cooter or Florida cooter (P. floridana) was formerly considered a subspecies of P. concinna, but is now considered a distinct species.[6][7]
The genus Pseudemys includes several species of cooters and red-bellied turtles. Pseudemys concinna is the species known as the river cooter. The name "cooter" may have come from an African word "kuta" which means "turtle" in the Bambara and Malinké languages, brought to America by African slaves.[8]
The river cooter basks on logs or sun-warmed rocks, and is frequently found in the company of other aquatic basking turtles (sliders and painteds) sometimes piled up on top of each other. All are quick to slip into the water if disturbed. Diurnal by nature, P. concinna wakes with the warming sun to bask and forage. It can move with surprising speed in the water and on land. It is not unusual for it to wander from one body of fresh water to another, but many individuals seem to develop fairly large home ranges, which they seldom or never leave. It sleeps in the water, hidden under vegetation. In areas that are quite warm it remains active all winter, but in cooler climates can become dormant during the winter for up to two months, in the mud, underwater. It doesn't breathe during this time of low metabolism, but can utilize oxygen from the water, which it takes in through the cloaca. The river cooter prefers to be well hidden under aquatic plants during the winter dormancy period or while sleeping each night.[9]
The species P. concinna is highly omnivorous and will eat anything, plant or animal, dead or alive. Diet seems to be determined by available food items. While some writers feel that this species of turtle will not eat meat, predatory behavior has been observed. Although it can't swallow out of water, it will leave the water to retrieve a tasty bug or worm, returning to the water to swallow. It will also enthusiastically chase, kill and eat small fish. It has also been observed eating carrion found along the river's edge. The river cooter has tooth-like cusps in the upper jaw, probably an adaptation to aid in eating leaves and fibrous vegetation. Its primary diet includes a wide variety of aquatic plants, and some terrestrial plants that grow near the water's edge. It will happily take fallen fruits as well. In captivity, any kind of plant will be eaten, and some "meats", too. Turtles will also take calcium in a separate form, such as a cuttlebone, so that the turtle can self-regulate calcium intake.[9]
The river cooter is faced with loss of habitat, predation by animals, slaughter on the highways, and use as a food source by some people. Hatchlings are particularly vulnerable. During their overland scramble to the river, many hatchlings will be taken by avian and mammal predators. Alligators and muskrats await them in the water. Some will be taken and sold to pet stores. Populations are down in some areas, and there have been increasing reports of injured turtles, but this species as a whole is hardy, and continues to thrive. P. concinna can live 40 years or more.[9]
The mating habits of the river cooter are very similar to those of the red-eared slider. As with the other basking turtles, the males tend to be smaller than females. The male uses his long claws to flutter at the face of the much larger female. Often, the female ignores him. After detecting what may be a pheromone signal while sniffing at a female's tail, a male river cooter will court a female by swimming above her, vibrating his long nails and stroking her face. Females have also been observed doing this to initiate courtship. If the female is receptive, she will sink to the bottom of the river and allow the male to mount for mating.[9] If she does mate, after several weeks the female crawls upon land to seek a nesting site. Females often cross highways looking for suitable nesting spots. Females will lay between 12 and 20 eggs at a time, close to water. The eggs hatch within 45 to 56 days and the hatchlings will usually stay with the nest through their first winter.
Mating takes place in early spring. Nesting usually occurs from May to June. The female chooses a site with sandy or loamy soil, within 100 ft (30 m) of the river's edge. She looks for a rather open area, with no major obstacles for the future hatchings to negotiate on their way to the river. The nest is dug with the hind feet. She lays 10–25 or more eggs in one or more clutches. Eggs are ellipsoidal, approximately 1.5 inches (4 cm) long. Incubation time is determined by temperature, but averages 90–100 days. Hatchlings generally emerge in August or September. There have been reported instances of late clutches over-wintering and hatching in the spring. A hatchling will have a round carapace, about 1.5 inches (4 cm) diameter, that is green with bright yellow markings.[9]
In the wild P. concinna feeds on aquatic plants, grasses, and algae. Younger ones tend to seek a more protein enriched diet such as aquatic invertebrates, crustaceans, and fish. Older turtles may occasionally seek prey as well, but mostly partake of a herbivorous diet.
The river cooter can sometimes be found basking in the sun, but is very wary and will quickly retreat into the water if approached. Otherwise, it is difficult to find in the water, which may be due to its ability to breathe while fully submerged. As a result, little is known about its biology and behavior.
The river cooter lives in a wide variety of freshwater and even brackish locations. Rivers, lakes, ponds and marshes with heavy vegetation provide ideal habitat. Large webbed feet make the river cooter an excellent swimmer, capable of negotiating moderately strong river currents of major river systems. It will collect in large numbers on peninsular floodplains associated with a river oxbow.[9]
In Indiana, the river cooter is listed as an endangered species.[10]
A 1975 U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulation bans the sale (for general commercial and public use) of turtle eggs and turtles with a carapace length of less than 4 inches (100 mm). This regulation comes under the Public Health Service Act and is enforced by the FDA in cooperation with State and local health jurisdictions. The ban has been effective in the U.S. since 1975 because of the public health impact of turtle-associated Salmonella. Turtles and turtle eggs found to be offered for sale in violation of this provision are subject to destruction in accordance with FDA procedures. A fine of up to $1,000 and/or imprisonment for up to one year is the penalty for those who refuse to comply with a valid final demand for destruction of such turtles or their eggs.[11]
Many stores and flea markets still sell small turtles due to an exception in the FDA regulation which allows turtles under 4 inches (100 mm) to be sold "for bona fide scientific, educational, or exhibitional purposes, other than use as pets."[12]
As with many other animals and inanimate objects, the risk of Salmonella exposure can be reduced by following basic rules of cleanliness. Small children must be taught not to put the turtle in their mouth and to wash their hands immediately after they finish "playing" with the turtle, feeding it, or changing the water.
The river cooter (Pseudemys concinna) is a species of freshwater turtle in the family Emydidae. The species is native to the central and eastern United States, but has been introduced into parts of California, Washington, and British Columbia.
Pseudemys concinna Pseudemys generoko animalia da. Narrastien barruko Emydidae familian sailkatuta dago.
Pseudemys concinna Pseudemys generoko animalia da. Narrastien barruko Emydidae familian sailkatuta dago.
Pseudemys concinna est une espèce de tortues de la famille des Emydidae[1].
Cette espèce est endémique des États-Unis[1] :
Selon TFTSG (27 mai 2011)[2] :
Cette tortue mesure jusqu'à 41 cm.
La testuggine cooter di fiume (Pseudemys concinna (Le Conte, 1830)) è una testuggine della famiglia degli emididi.
La Pseudemys concinna è diffusa in gran parte Virginia, nord della Florida, Texas orientale e Illinois meridionale
Occupa un'ampia varietà di habitat umidi e fangosi: zone acquitrinose, paludi, boschi allagati, corsi d'acqua con deboli correnti, pozze fangose, stagni ricchi di vegetazione sommersa e piante galleggianti.
Grandi; circa 32-35 cm. Alcuni grossi esemplari raggiungono anche i 38 cm.
Animale strettamente acquatico, passa le ore meno calde della giornata su di un sasso, un tronco emerso o sulle rive per ricevere i benefici dei raggi solari (basking) e regolare la propria temperatura corporea, nelle ore centrali della giornata quando le temperature sotto il sole sono elevate preferisce rimanere in acqua.
Sono testuggini che riescono ad adattarsi molto bene ai nostri climi e se correttamente stabulate è possibile allevarle all'aperto tutto l'anno, in un laghetto profondo almeno 1 m con circa 30 cm di fondo fangoso o sabbioso, con argini non troppo ripidi e tronchi che emergono dall'acqua per permettere agevolmente il basking. È possibile inserire piante acquatiche per ricreare un ambiente ottimale. L'invaso deve essere costruito in un punto soleggiato ma con zone d'ombra. Per evitare eventuali fughe è bene che il laghetto sia recintato per almeno 50 cm o più in altezza e ulteriori 30 cm sotto terra. Per il primo anno è consigliato l'allevamento in acquaterrario. Acqua alta con appigli o delle zone di sosta meno profonde. Temperature dell'acqua tra i 23 e i 25 °C. Area emersa costituita da sassi non taglienti o tronchi e una superficie estesa pari almeno al 30% della superficie acquatica. L'area emersa deve essere dotata di un neon UVB posto a massimo 30 cm senza nulla interposto e di una lampadina tipo spot in grado di riscaldarne un punto innalzando la temperatura fino a 30-31 °C necessari alla loro termoregolazione.
È una specie onnivora, da adulta con abitudini erbivore. Può essere somministrato pesce d'acqua dolce (alborelle, trota, ecc.), insetti (grilli, lombrichi, cavallette, camole della farina), girini, piccoli invertebrati (chiocciole con guscio molto ricco di calcio) e cibi vegetali (tarassaco, cicoria selvatica, rucola, radicchio, lenticchie acquatiche, piante acquatiche di ogni tipo, ecc.). La parte vegetale può costituire un buon 20% della dieta dei giovani fino ad arrivare a 70% o più negli adulti. Si consiglia di somministrare con parsimonia frutta e carni bianche e rosse. Ogni tanto possono essere somministrati cibi in pellet di ottima marca ma senza abusarne. È buona norma lasciare sempre a disposizione un osso di seppia per fornire il calcio necessario. È necessario che la dieta sia estremamente varia per non incorrere a carenze di qualsiasi tipo.
La maturazione sessuale avviene dopo il 4º anno. Fino a 4-5 deposizioni annue di 9-12 uova ciascuna.
Si alle nostre temperature: dai primi di novembre a metà marzo, nel fondale fangoso. Sconsigliato ai giovani esemplari e a quelli debilitati o in via di guarigione.
Pseudemys concinna non è in CITES, quindi è di libera vendita.
La testuggine cooter di fiume (Pseudemys concinna (Le Conte, 1830)) è una testuggine della famiglia degli emididi.
De hiëroglyfensierschildpad[1] (Pseudemys concinna) is een schildpad uit de familie moerasschildpadden (Emydidae).[2] De soort werd voor het eerst wetenschappelijk beschreven door John Lawrence LeConte in 1830. Oorspronkelijk werd de wetenschappelijke naam Testudo concinna gebruikt.
De mannetjes bereiken een maximale schildlengte tot 30 centimeter, de vrouwtjes worden groter en kunnen een lengte tot 43 cm bereiken.[3] De kleur van het schild is bruin tot donkerbruin en op de kop zitten ongeveer tien dunne, afstekende witte tot gele lijnen die tot onder het schild lopen. De poten zijn donkergroen en hebben eveneens deze tekening. Het schild is vrij plat met een verhoging in het midden en de kop en poten kunnen volledig worden teruggetrokken.
De hiëroglyfensierschildpad komt voor in het zuidoosten van de Verenigde Staten rond de staat Florida. Vroeger werd de schildpad massaal geëxporteerd als huisdier vanwege de bonte kleurentekening, maar dat is de soort bijna fataal geworden. Tegenwoordig is de schildpad beschermd en mag niet meer worden gevangen.
De hiëroglyfensierschildpad is een waterminnende soort die altijd in de buurt van oppervlaktewater blijft. Ook tijdens het zonnen gebeurt dat meestal op takken die boven het water uitsteken zodat de schildpad er snel in kan springen bij gevaar. Het voedsel bestaat uit kleine kreeftachtigen, en ook plantendelen worden gegeten.
Er worden drie ondersoorten erkend, die verschillen in het uiterlijk en het verspreidingsgebied.
De hiëroglyfensierschildpad (Pseudemys concinna) is een schildpad uit de familie moerasschildpadden (Emydidae). De soort werd voor het eerst wetenschappelijk beschreven door John Lawrence LeConte in 1830. Oorspronkelijk werd de wetenschappelijke naam Testudo concinna gebruikt.
Żółw żółtobrzuchy[2] (Pseudemys concinna) – gatunek gada z podrzędu żółwi skrytoszyjnych z rodziny żółwi błotnych.
Żółw żółtobrzuchy (Pseudemys concinna) – gatunek gada z podrzędu żółwi skrytoszyjnych z rodziny żółwi błotnych.
Pseudemys concinna[3] är en sköldpaddsart som beskrevs av John Lawrence LeConte 1830. Pseudemys concinna ingår i släktet Pseudemys och familjen kärrsköldpaddor.[4][5] IUCN kategoriserar arten globalt som livskraftig.[1]
Arten förekommer i östra USA från Texas över Mississippiflodens avrinningsområde till Virginia och norra Florida.[1]
Arten delas in i följande underarter:[4]
Wikimedia Commons har media som rör Pseudemys concinna.
Denna artikel om sköldpaddor saknar väsentlig information. Du kan hjälpa till genom att tillföra sådan.
Pseudemys concinna är en sköldpaddsart som beskrevs av John Lawrence LeConte 1830. Pseudemys concinna ingår i släktet Pseudemys och familjen kärrsköldpaddor. IUCN kategoriserar arten globalt som livskraftig.
Arten förekommer i östra USA från Texas över Mississippiflodens avrinningsområde till Virginia och norra Florida.
Загальна довжина карапаксу коливається від 32 до 43,7 см. Спостерігається статевий диморфізм: самиці більші за самців. Голова невеликого або середнього розміру. Зовнішній край верхньої щелепи не зубчастий. Карапакс доволі великий, овальної форми, куполоподібний, у задній частині розширюється. По його середині проходить невеликий кіль. Пластрон також великий. На лапах є плавальні перетинки.
Голова, шия, кінцівки, хвіст оливкові, коричневі, зелений-коричневі, темно-коричневі з жовтими, помаранчевими, червоними або кремовими смугами. Карапакс коричнюватий з жовтими або кремовими плямами. На жовтому пластроні є темний візерунок, що йде уздовж швів та розташовується на передній половині. На пластроні може бути С-подібний малюнок.
Полюбляє різного роду водойми з помірною течією, кам'янистим дном, багатою рослинністю. Взимку іноді впадає у сплячку, зариваючись в бруд або мул. При цьому її метаболізм сповільнюється, вона практично не дихає, тільки зрідка споживає кисень прямо з води. харчується рибою, земноводними, ракоподібними, комахами, водними рослинами
Сезон парування починається на початку весни, а відкладання яєць — з травня по червень. Самиця відкладає від 9 до 29 яєць. За сезон буває 2 кладки. Інкубаційний період триває від 80 до 100 діб. Черепашата зазвичай з'являються вилуплюються у серпні—вересні.
Тривалість життя 40 років.
Мешкає від Південної Кароліни по Атлантичному узбережжю до Мексиканської затоки. Усередині материка від південного Іллінойсу по долині Міссісіпі до півдня Міссурі, південного сходу Канзасу і Оклахоми, на захід через Техас до Нью-Мексико (США) та на південь до Коауїли, Нуево-Леона і Тамауліпас у Мексиці.
Pseudemys concinna là một loài rùa trong họ Emydidae. Loài này được Le Conte mô tả khoa học đầu tiên năm 1830.[2]
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Phương tiện liên quan tới Pseudemys concinna tại Wikimedia Commons
Pseudemys concinna là một loài rùa trong họ Emydidae. Loài này được Le Conte mô tả khoa học đầu tiên năm 1830.
リバークーター（学名：Pseudemys concinna）は、ヌマガメ科クーターガメ属に分類されるカメ。クーターガメ属の模式種。要注意外来生物。
模式標本の産地（模式産地）はコロンビア周辺（サウスカロライナ州）。アメリカ合衆国東部固有亜種
種小名floridanaは「フロリダの」の意で、和名や英名と同義。模式産地はセント・ジョーンズ川（フロリダ州）。
アメリカ合衆国（アラバマ州南西部、サウスカロライナ州、ジョージア州、ノースカロライナ州、バージニア州南東部、フロリダ州北部）固有亜種
種小名suwanniensisは「スワニー産の」の意で、和名や英名と同義。模式産地はスワニー川（フロリダ州）。
アメリカ合衆国（フロリダ州北西部のスワニー川水系）固有亜種
最大甲長43.7cm。オスよりもメスの方が大型になり、オスは最大でも甲長30cm程。背甲は第7縁甲板と第8縁甲板の継ぎ目で最も幅が広くなる。項甲板は大型で、後方があまり幅広くならない細長い等脚台形。腹甲の色彩は黄色。鼠蹊甲板に暗色の斑紋が入る。
頭部は小型から中型。上顎の外縁は鋸歯状にならない。頭部や四肢、尾の色彩は緑褐色や褐色、暗褐色等で、淡黄色や黄色の筋模様が入る。
卵は長径2.9-4.4cm、短径2.2-3cm。幼体は椎甲板に筋状の盛り上がり（キール）があるが、成長に伴い消失する。オスは成長に伴い、一部ないし全身の色彩が黒くなる（黒色化）。メスも成長に伴い色彩が暗くなる（暗色化）。
腹甲には甲板の継ぎ目（シーム）周辺に暗色の斑紋が入るが、成体では消失することもある。腋下甲板に暗色の斑紋が入る。上顎の先端は凹み、凹みの両脇が突出し牙状になることもある。下顎の外縁は鋸歯状になる。頭部から頸部にかけて11本以上の縦縞が入る。
第2-3肋甲板後部には1-3本の弓状になった横縞が入る。腹甲には暗色の斑紋が入らない。腋下甲板に暗色の斑紋が入る個体もいる。上顎の先端は凹まない。下顎の外縁は鋸歯状にならない。頭部から頸部にかけて10本以下の縦縞が入る。
背甲の色彩は暗色で、第2肋甲板にはアルファベットの「C」字状の斑紋がある。腹甲にはシーム周辺に暗色の斑紋が入り、成体でも消失することは少ない。腋下甲板に暗色の斑紋が入る。上顎の先端は凹み、凹みの両脇が突出し牙状になることもある。下顎の外縁は鋸歯状になる。頭部や頸部の色彩が黒に近い。
亜種フロリダクーターは形態や分子系統学の研究等から本種の亜種とすることが有力だが、亜種フロリダクーターを基亜種とし別種とされるペニンシュラクーターをその亜種とした独立種コモンクーターとする説もある。
基亜種と亜種スワニークーターは主に底質が岩で水生植物の繁茂するある程度流れがあるか流れの緩やかな河川、しばしば河川の周囲にある湖や河跡湖、池沼にも生息する。亜種フロリダクーターは底質が泥の湖、池、流れの緩やかな河川等に生息する。昼行性で、日光浴を好む。南部の個体群では気温の高い日には薄明薄暮時に活動することもある。
食性は植物食の強い雑食性で魚類、両生類の幼生、昆虫類、甲殻類、貝類、水草、藻類等を食べる。本種は属内でも最も植物食傾向が強いが、完全な植物食ではなく動物質も摂取する。幼体は動物食傾向が強いが、成長に伴い植物食傾向が強くなる。
繁殖形態は卵生。基底が砂地や礫地の開けた場所に穴を掘り、初夏から晩夏に1回に9-29個（主に19-20個）の卵を産む。亜種スワニークーターでは産卵の際に更に周囲にいくつも小さな穴を掘り1-2個の卵を小分けに産んだ例があり、卵の捕食者が小分けに産んだ卵を食べることでまとめて産んだ卵を捕食されるのを避けるための行動だと考えられている。卵は80-100日で孵化する。卵から孵化した幼体は8-9月に地表に現れるが、北部の個体群や晩夏に産んだ卵から孵化した幼体はそのまま地中で越冬し翌年に春季に地表に現れる。
亜種スワニークーターはフロリダ州政府によって保護動物に指定され、生息地の一部が自然保護区とされている。
生息地では食用とされることもある。
ペットとして飼育されることもあり、日本にも輸入されている。流通量は多く、主に幼体が安価で流通する。主に基亜種が流通し、亜種フロリダクーターの流通は極めて稀で亜種スワニークーターは日本で過去に別種、別亜種に混じって輸入された可能性がある、もしくは流通したことがないとされる。亜種フロリダクーターの名前でペニンシュラクーターが流通することもある。安価で流通するためか、粗雑に扱われ状態を崩した個体が流通することもある。大型になるため、大型のケージが用意できない場合は一般家庭での飼育には向かない。日光浴を好むため皮膚を乾燥させる陸場や暖房・照明器具を設置する。水質の悪化に弱く、また特に幼体は低温に弱いため注意が必要。飼育下では人工飼料や乾燥飼料にも餌付くが、成長に伴い葉野菜や水草、植物質が多く含まれる鑑賞魚用の人工飼料等を与えて植物質を摂取する割合を増やすようにする。
