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The Redeared Slider, scientifically known as Trachemys scripta elegans, is a semi-aquatic turtle native to the southern United States and northern Mexico. This species is characterized by its vibrant red or orange stripes extending from the eyes to the shell, earning them their common name. Adults typically reach a carapace length of 7-12 inches and display varying shades of green on their dorsal surface. Redeared Sliders are omnivorous, feeding on aquatic vegetation, small fish, invertebrates, and occasionally carrion. They prefer habitats with abundant aquatic plants, providing cover and breeding sites for these turtles. Females lay clutches of 5-15 eggs in well-draining sandy soils, where the young hatch after a two to three-month incubation period. In the context of Animals, Reptiles, and Turtles, Redeared Sliders are part of the Testudines order under the Reptilia class, which falls within the Phylum Chordata as a subgroup of Vertebrates. As a result, they share several features with other reptiles, such as scaly skin, a three-chambered heart, and ectothermic metabolism. However, their unique morphology and behavior distinguish them from other turtles within the Turtles category, making them an intriguing subject for study and conservation efforts. In summary, Redeared Sliders are captivating creatures with striking red or orange stripes and a diverse diet, which inhabit aquatic environments in their native southern United States and northern Mexico. Their role as semi-aquatic reptiles within the Testudines order of the Reptilia class offers an intriguing perspective on the broader categories they belong to, while maintaining distinct features that set them apart from other turtles.