Pseudemys alabamensis (State Status: S1; critically imperiled)

Description

Pseudemys alabamensis is a large emydid found in a restricted range of coastal Alabama and Mississippi. They are found in a very restricted range in the extreme southeast part of MS. Shell is oval-shaped, olive or dark brown, and the plastron is bright red. A narrow arrow shape may exist between the eyes. The turtle has a unique cusp-shaped mark on the corners of the mouth.

*P. alabamensis* floating in a coastal bayou, Jackson Co. (MS), © Grover Brown

Identifying Traits

Bright red plastron
Restricted range
Ridged “teeth” on beak

Habitat

May be in range in fresh-brackish water with plenty of vegetation (Guyer et al., 2015)

Behavior

Often found basking in wetlands, nests in sandy soils

Diet

Aquatic and wetland vegetation