The northern red-bellied cooter is a listed species in the State Wildlife Action Plan (SWAP). Find detailed information on the northern red-bellied cooter, its threats, and what Massachusetts is doing to conserve this animal in its official factsheet.
Fast facts
Common name: Red-bellied cooters, 'redbellies'
Scientific name: Pseudemys rubriventris pop.1
Range in MA: Southeastern Massachusetts
Conservation status: Endangered (MESA) Endangered (US ESA), Massachusetts population only
Fun fact: Basking is important for this species because it allows them to maintain an optimal body temperature and reduces the risk of infection.
Similar-looking species: Painted turtles and red-eared sliders
Identification tip: The carapace or upper shell of an adult red-bellied cooter can range from black to brown, often with reddish vertical bars on the scutes.
Description
The northern red-bellied cooter is one of the largest freshwater turtles native to Massachusetts, second only the common snapping turtle. Adult “redbellies” can grow to a shell length of 25 to 35 cm (10 to 13.5 in) and weigh up to 5.8 kg (12.7 lb). The carapace or upper shell of an adult red-bellied cooter can range from black to brown, often with reddish vertical bars on the scutes. Some males will develop an unusual marbled-red coloration, and some individuals may become melanistic (dark-pigmented). The plastron or bottom shell shows differs between males and females: males usually have a pale pink plastron with gray mottling, while females have a pink or rose-colored plastron with gray borders along the edges of the shell plates. The head, limbs, and tail of the northern red-bellied cooter are generally black with ivory or yellow stripes. Redbellies have a distinctive, arrow-shaped stripe that run along the throat and neck. Like painted turtles (Chrysemys picta), but unlike other clades within the Pseudemys genus, the upper jaw has a noticeable ‘cusp’ or notch. Upon hatching, northern red-bellied cooters are about 25 mm (1 in) in length and have a more circular shell. Their carapace is greenish with yellowish markings.