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Turtles in Texas (34 Species)

There are 30 species of turtles in Texas along with 4 additional sea turtle species. Texas contains so much land mass that you’d expect this state to house a very large number of turtle species.

Because of this, you get a huge variety of turtles, from small Mud turtles to the giant Alligator Snapping turtle. There are also several varieties of terrestrial turtles and one endangered tortoise living in the Lone Star State.

Sit back and get ready as we trek all across the landscape and go over all the turtles found in the state of Texas.

BoxTurtles in Texas

1) Desert Box Turtle

Desert Box turtle (Terrapene ornata luteola) on sand
Desert Box turtle (Terrapene ornata luteola) on sand
  • Experience level: Intermediate to Expert
  • Family: Emydidae
  • Scientific Name: Terrapene ornata luteola
  • Common Name: Sonoran Box turtle
  • Average Adult Size: 4 – 6 inches
  • Life Span: 40 – 60 years
  • Average Price Range: Between $300 and $400
  • Conservation Status: Near Threatened

The Desert Box turtle is found in hot arid areas with soft soil that is good to dig into. When it’s too hot or very dry this turtle will burrow into the ground and stay until the weather is more to its liking. 

Like other Box turtles, the Desert Box turtle has a hinged plastron (bottom part of its shell) that allows it to completely enclose itself. 

They have a very domed carapace (upper part of the turtle’s shell) that can be either plain colored or have stripes and spots. The color is reddish-brown, but they are usually covered in dust and dirt so they look very drab unless they get cleaned off. 

You’ll find these small turtles in arid plains, grasslands, and prairies. They often cohabit prairie dog towns. 

Desert Box turtles are omnivores that feed on insects such as grasshoppers, crickets, beetles, and worms. They also eat plants, cacti, fruits, and berries.

2) Ornate Box Turtle

Ornate box turtle (Terrapine ornata) on dirt with all limbs retracted in shell
Ornate box turtle (Terrapine ornata) on dirt with all limbs retracted in shell – source
  • Experience Level: Intermediate to Expert
  • Family: Emydidae
  • Scientific Name: Terrapine ornata
  • Other Names: Box Tortoise, Western Box Turtle
  • Adult Size: 4 to 5 inches
  • Life Span: 30 to 40 years
  • Average Price Range: $150 to $450
  • Conservation Status: Near threatened

Ornate Box turtles have distinctively striped and spotted patterning on their domed shells. The background of the carapace is dark brown, but they have yellow to orange patterns in the scutes. Scutes are the growth plates on a turtle’s shell. They are found on the top, sides, and bottom of the shell.

Ornate Box turtles are found across most of the state. They prefer grassy habitats and areas with more humidity than the desert. Grasslands, prairies, and scrublands are where you’ll find these turtles. 

These turtles are active during most parts of the day, but really come out in numbers after rainfall. They will range and explore a somewhat small territory while foraging for food. They feed on insects and other invertebrates and plant matter such as fruits, berries, flowers, and cacti.

3) Three-toed Box Turtle

Three toed box turtle (Terrapene carolina triunguis) in small container
Three toed box turtle (Terrapene carolina triunguis) in small container – source
  • Experience level: Intermediate
  • Family: Emydidae
  • Scientific Name: Terrapene carolina triunguis
  • Other Names: N/A
  • Average Adult Size: 4.5 – 6.5 inches
  • Life Span: 70+ years
  • Average Price Range: $140 – $430
  • Conservation Status: Vulnerable 

Three-toed Box turtles have a plain looking carapace that is usually light brown or olive. Occasionally you may see some darker patterns on top. Their exposed skin and scales are brown to dark green and have orange or yellow spots and blotches.

Their hind legs usually have 3 toes as their name suggests, but some still have 4 toes (there are always a few that have to be difficult).

The Three-toed Box turtle prefers cooler, more humid habitats. They will be found roaming across woodlands, meadows, and other similar areas. Here they search for worms, insects, caterpillars, and other bugs as well as some plant matter. 

Chicken Turtles in Texas

4) Western Chicken Turtle

Western Chicken Turtle (Deirochelys reticularia miaria) in swapm resting on a submerged branch
Western Chicken Turtle (Deirochelys reticularia miaria) in swapm resting on a submerged branch – source
  • Experience Level: Intermediate
  • Family: Emydidae
  • Scientific Name: Deirochelys Reticularia Miaria
  • Other Names: N/A
  • Adult Size: Between 4 and 10 inches
  • Lifespan: Between 15 and 30 years
  • Average Price Range: Between $180 and $300
  • Conservation Status: Endangered in some states, considered secure nationally

The Western Chicken turtle has an oval shell that looks similar to an egg when observed from above. They have a dark green carapace with a lighter, yellow pattern that looks like a net or kind of web.

These turtles are a semi-aquatic species that prefer still waters such as swamps and ponds. They are mostly found in the eastern area of the state but are constantly losing habitats due to human encroachment and development.

They have very long necks in relation to other turtles. The skin is dark with lighter, yellowish stripes. Their plastron is fixed—meaning it does not close—and is either a cream color or bright yellow.

Chicken turtles are mostly carnivorous. They feed on crustaceans such as crayfish, freshwater shrimp, clams, and mussels, as well as insects and leeches. They occasionally feed on vegetation but prefer protein.

Cooters in Texas

5) Missouri River Cooter

Eastern River Cooter (Pseudemys concinna) sitting in the middle of the road
Eastern River Cooter (Pseudemys concinna) sitting in the middle of the road
  • Experience Level: Beginner to Intermediate
  • Family: Emydidae
  • Scientific Name: Pseudemys concinna metteri
  • Other Names: Metter’s Cooter
  • Adult Size: Between 8 and 13 inches
  • Lifespan: Between 20 and 40 years
  • Average Price Range: $70 to $120
  • Conservation Status: Least Concern

You can find these turtles in East Texas in rivers, streams, and other flowing waters. They have dark colored shells with yellow and green markings. Most River Cooters have marginal scutes with “C” patterns on them, but this turtle is lacking those markings.

Their carapace is slightly domed, mildly ridged, and flares a little at the edges. They have olive colored skin with yellow stripes.

Most of the time during the day, you’ll see these turtles on fallen logs, or the banks of the river basking in the sun in large numbers. When disturbed though, they will quickly return to the water.

Young River Cooters feed mainly on insects, fish, and other protein sources, but as the turtles age, they take on a more plant rich diet.

6) Rio Grande Cooter

Rio Grande Cooter Pseudemys gorzugi basking on a log
Rio Grande Cooter Pseudemys gorzugi basking on a log – source
  • Experience Level: Beginner to Intermediate
  • Family: Emydidae
  • Scientific Name: Pseudemys Gorzugi
  • Other Names: Rio Grande River Cooter, Western River Cooter
  • Adult Size: Between 8 and 14 inches
  • Lifespan: Between 20 and 40 years, and up to 60 in the wild
  • Average Price Range: Between $20 and $150
  • Conservation Status: Near threatened

Rio Grande Cooters are large aquatic turtles that are found along wetlands and in the Rio Grande River. They prefer waters such as oxbow lakes, and ponds with soft substrates at the bottom and abundant vegetation.

Similar to other Cooter subspecies, the Rio Grande Cooter has an ornate shell that darkens as the turtle ages. They have a wide bridge (the area between the carapace and plastron) and a light yellow plastron. On the bottom shell, they have black ovals along the outer edge.

Their skin is olive to dark brown with yellow to green stripes. Males are a little smaller than females, but they have much longer front claws which they use to entice the female into mating.

Rio Grande Cooters feed on plants and aquatic organisms. They will eat algae, worms, fish, amphibians, mollusks, and insects. 

7) Texas River Cooter

Texas River cooters (Pseudemys Texana) stacked on top of each other in pond with algae
Texas River cooters (Pseudemys Texana) stacked on top of each other in pond with algae – source
  • Experience Level: Beginner to Intermediate
  • Family: Emydidae
  • Scientific Name: Pseudemys Texana
  • Other Names: Texas Slider
  • Adult Size: Between 7 and 13 inches
  • Lifespan: Between 20 and 40 years
  • Average Price Range: $50 to $100
  • Conservation Status: Least concern

The Texas River Cooter is found in many areas of Central Texas. They prefer river basins, tributaries, and main river bodies. This is a species that loves basking and can often be seen sharing fallen logs, rocks, dense vegetation, and river banks with other species of turtles.

This species looks very similar to the Rio Grande Cooter. They have a dark shell with brighter swirls, stripes, and patterns. The plastron is cream colored with various black streaks and outlines around the scutes. 

The skin and scales of the Texas River Cooter are olive to black with abundant wide stripes, surrounded by smaller yellow stripes. 

Texas River Cooters are omnivores. They start out eating insects, small fish, and other protein sources but graduate to a more vegetation rich diet as they age. 

Map Turtles in Texas

8) Cagle’s Map Turtle

Cagles Map Turtle being held for picture with all limbs retracted (Graptemys Caglei)
Cagles Map Turtle being held for picture with all limbs retracted (Graptemys Caglei) – source
  • Experience Level: Beginner
  • Family: Emydidae
  • Scientific Name: Graptemys Caglei
  • Other Names: N/A
  • Adult Size: Between 3 and 5 inches (Males), between 7 and 8 inches (Females)
  • Lifespan: Between 30 and 50 years
  • Average Price Range: Between $130 and $300
  • Conservation Status: Endangered

The Cagle’s Map turtle—named after herpetologist Dr. Fred Ray Cagle—is a subspecies of Map turtle that is only found in small areas in Texas. This species is mainly found in areas south of the Guadalupe River, including the San Antonio and San Marcos rivers.

Like other Map turtles, Cagle’s Map turtles have a keel along the carapace and serrated scutes on the back end of the shell. Instead of a dark peak like most other Map turtles, this species has a yellowish or orange peak.

They are also one of the smallest Map turtle species. Males rarely exceed 5 inches, while females get larger, but only max out around 7 to 8 inches in carapace length. 

These turtles have the same coloration on their skin as other Map turtles, dark skin with abundant yellow to white stripes. 

You’ll find these small Map turtles in muddy streams, rivers, and lakes. They are equally at home in waters with fast currents as well as still waters. 

Cagle’s Map turtles are mostly carnivorous. Smaller males and juveniles tend to feast on insects, while the larger females feed almost exclusively on mollusks. 

9) Mississippi Map Turtle

Mississippi Map Turtle (Graptemys pseudogeographica kohnii) basking on the edge of a bank at dusk
Mississippi Map Turtle (Graptemys pseudogeographica kohnii) basking on the edge of a bank at dusk – source
  • Experience level: Intermediate – expert
  • Family: Emydidae
  • Scientific Name: Graptemys pseudogeographica kohni
  • Other Names: Sawback Turtle
  • Average Adult Size: 5 – 10 inches
  • Life Span:  30 – 50 years
  • Average Price Range:  $30 – $130
  • Conservation Status: Least Concern

Mississippi Map turtles can be found in waters on the eastern side of the state. They are medium sized turtles with females getting much bigger than the males. 

To identify these turtles look for a high, serrated ridge along the carapace. There will be three to four black knobs on this ridge. You’ll also see the yellow or orangish markings that resemble map contours on the upper shell, and saw-toothed serrations at the back of the shell. 

When you look at the head, the Mississippi Map turtle has yellow stripes that curve under both of the turtle’s eyes. Other species of Map turtles have certain spots or markings behind their eyes that help to identify them. 

While these turtles love to bask in the midday sun, you’ll rarely see them unless you bring along some binoculars. They are always on the lookout for danger. When they see anything out of the ordinary, they will retreat to the water and hide.

These Map turtles are omnivorous and will feed on insects, fish, mollusks, and vegetation. 

10) Ouachita Map Turtle

Ouachita Map Turtle (Graptemys Ouachitensis) in shallow water with its reflection in the water
Ouachita Map Turtle (Graptemys Ouachitensis) in shallow water with its reflection in the water
  • Experience Level: Beginner
  • Family: Emydidae
  • Scientific Name: Graptemys ouachitensis
  • Other Names: Southern Map turtle
  • Adult Size: 3.5 to 10 inches (9 to 25.5 cm)
  • Life Span: 15 to 20 years
  • Average Price Range: $40 to $100
  • Conservation Status: Least concern

Ouachita Map turtles look like most other Map turtle subspecies, but you can identify them by looking at the markings on their heads. They have bright yellow or white patches behind their eyes, and a small circle underneath the eye. 

They like to bask and will often hang out with other species of turtles while soaking in the sun. When they see anything they don’t like, they will run back to the water.

You’ll find the Ouachita Map turtle in far eastern areas of Texas around the Red River, the Neches, and Sabine Rivers. They do equally well in swift flowing rivers as well as slow moving streams and ponds. 

They look for waters with abundant vegetation that they can hide in and hunt for mollusks, insect larvae, freshwater shrimp, and feed on the plants occasionally.

11) Sabine Map Turtle

Sabine Map Turtle (Graptemys sabinensis) basking on tree sticking out of water
Sabine Map Turtle (Graptemys sabinensis) basking on tree sticking out of water – source
  • Experience Level: Beginner
  • Family: Emydidae
  • Scientific Name: Graptemys sabinensis
  • Other Names:  N/A
  • Adult Size: 5 inches to 10 inches 
  • Lifespan: Between 30 and 50 years
  • Average price range: Between $30 and $70
  • Conservation Status: Least concern

Sabine Map turtles are only found in the Sabine River area in Texas and around Louisiana. These excellent swimmers are at home in the swift currents of the river with muddy and sandy, or rocky bottoms. They also prefer areas with a lot of aquatic plants.

The Sabine Map turtle has a carapace similar to other Map turtles. They have a central keel, rear serrations, and swirl like markings on the upper shell. When you look at the pattern on the head, the Sabine Map turtle has a yellowish or orange spot behind the eyes.

While these turtles are listed federally as stable or “least concern,” there are only a few pockets of these populations in Texas and Louisiana. 

These turtles are omnivores and will feed on insects, fish, mollusks, crustaceans, algae, and other plant matter. 

12) Texas Map Turtle

Texas Map Turtle (Graptemys Versa) basking on a log in Colorado River Refuge - Texas
Texas Map Turtle (Graptemys Versa) basking on a log in Colorado River Refuge – Texas – source
  • Experience Level: Beginner
  • Family: Emydidae
  • Scientific Name: Graptemys Versa
  • Other Names: N/A
  • Adult Size: Between 3.5 and 8 inches
  • Lifespan: Between 30 and 50 years
  • Average price range: $150 to $300
  • Conservation Status: Least concern

Another smaller subspecies of Map turtle, the Texas Map turtle is only found in Texas, specifically in the middle of the state around the Colorado River. They prefer waters with fast, strong currents.

The keel on these turtles is serrated, giving them a saw-backed look. The upper ridge is also slightly yellow in coloration, but these characteristics fade as the turtle ages. The keel also becomes less prominent. 

The plastron is light cream colored and has a faded pattern. Again, as the turtle ages, these patterns fade even more. This turtle has the same skin color as other Map turtle species, but the head has fewer stripes and more spots. These circles are found around the eyes and under the jaw.

Most Map turtles are more carnivorous, but the Texas Map turtle eats both vegetation and living organisms. They feed on algae, freshwater sponges, seeds, plants, insects, leeches, clams, and crayfish. 

Mud Turtles in Texas

13) Eastern Mud Turtle

Eastern Mud turtle (Kinosternon subrubrum) going into a creek
Eastern Mud turtle (Kinosternon subrubrum) going into a creek – source
  • Experience Level: Beginner
  • Family: Kinosternidae
  • Scientific Name: Kinosternon subrubrum
  • Other Names: Common mud turtle
  • Adult Size: 3 to 4 inches
  • Life Span: 40 to 50 years
  • Average Price Range: $20 – $100
  • Conservation Status: Least concern

Eastern Mud turtles are one of the smallest turtles living in Texas. They are identified, not only because of their tiny stature but by the domed, oval shaped, plain colored shell. They range from brown to a dirty yellow. 

They have dark colored skin with stripes and speckles on the head and neck. The plastron hinged and allows them to enclose their extremities inside like Box turtles.

They spend much of their time in the water and don’t bask very often. They do come on land to lay their eggs, migrate to other watery homes, or hibernate. They bury themselves under leaf litter, mud, or sandy soil when winter sets in.

Eastern Mud turtles prefer rivers, swamps, and other slow moving waters, especially ones with abundant vegetation. 

These turtles are omnivores that feed on mollusks, insects, fish—if they can catch them, vegetation, and carrion. 

14) Rough-footed Mud Turtle

Chihuahuan Mud Turtle (Kinosternon Hirtipes) on pavement walking
Chihuahuan Mud Turtle (Kinosternon Hirtipes) on pavement walking – source
  • Experience Level: Beginner
  • Family: Kinosternidae
  • Scientific Name: Kinosternon Hirtipes
  • Other Names: Big Bend Mud turtle, Chihuahuan Mud turtle
  • Adult Size: Between 5 and 7 inches
  • Lifespan: Between 30 and 50 years
  • Average Price Range: Approximately $300
  • Conservation Status: Least concern*

In Texas, the Rough-footed Mud turtle is only found in a few western counties. They are more prominent in Mexico and are found in mountain streams. In Texas, they have come to inhabit agricultural stock tanks, irrigation canals, and other man-made waters.

Rough-footed Mud turtles have olive or dirty yellow carapaces and similarly colored skin and plastrons. On the chin and throat, there are flesh protrusions called barbels.

Males of this species are typically larger than females. In most turtle species, the opposite is true, with males being much smaller.

While these turtles rarely leave the water, they will exit when winter comes. They often find muddy substrate to bury themselves in to keep comfortable during the colder months.

These turtles are omnivores. They feed on a wide range of foods including algae, seeds, fruits, aquatic plants, insects, mollusks, and fish. They start off mainly eating insects and other protein sources, but transition to a more vegetation heavy diet as they age. 

*Globally, the Rough-footed Mud turtle is considered a secure species, in Texas, they are listed as threatened because their numbers are dwindling. It’s estimated that there are only a few hundred of these turtles in Texas, and there is no move to put these turtles on the endangered species list.

15) Yellow Mud Turtle

Yellow mud turtle (Kinosternon flavescens) retracted in its shell on dirt
Yellow mud turtle (Kinosternon flavescens) retracted in its shell on dirt – source
  • Experience level: Intermediate
  • Family: Kinosternidae
  • Scientific Name: Kinosternon flavescens
  • Common Name:  Mud Turtle, Yellow Mud Turtle
  • Average Adult Size: 5 – 7 inches
  • Life Span: 40 years
  • Average Price Range: Approximately $80 to $300
  • Conservation Status: Conservation Status: Federally listed as least concern, but threatened or endangered in most states.

Yellow Mud Turtles are another species of turtle that is listed as secure federally, but most states list them as threatened or endangered. In Texas, these little yellowish turtles seem to be doing well as they are found in most regions except the extreme east.

These turtles call marshes, ponds, drainage ditches, and other still waters home. Yellow Mud turtles have plain, non-decorated carapaces that tend to be grey-green or dark brown. Their head is yellow to green on the upper side, with the throat and chin looking pale yellow.

Like other Mud turtles, the Yellow Mud turtle doesn’t like to leave the water very often. When they do, it’s usually because they are burrowing in the mud to hibernate, they are looking for a place to lay eggs, or they are searching for a new home.

These turtles feed off the bottom of the water, feeding on snails, clams, crustaceans, insects, tadpoles, and some vegetation.

Musk Turtles in Texas

16) Eastern Musk Turtle

Eastern musk turtle (Sternotherus odoratus) being held with mouth open and greenery in background
Eastern musk turtle (Sternotherus odoratus) being held with mouth open and greenery in background – source
  • Experience Level: Intermediate
  • Family: Kinosternidae
  • Scientific Name: Sternotherus odoratus
  • Other Names: Common Musk turtle, Stinkpot
  • Adult Size: 4 to 5 inches (10 to 12.5 cm)
  • Life Span: 30 to 50 years
  • Average Price Range: $30 to $120
  • Conservation Status: Least concern

Because these turtles have musk glands they readily release, Eastern Musk turtles are also known as “Stinkpots.” When they are threatened or harmed, these little stinkers will release their musk in hopes of getting away.

These turtles are found in many eastern counties. They inhabit swamps, bogs, ponds, and marshes with muddy bottoms. They aren’t the best swimmers, despite being mostly aquatic, so they run along the bottom. The Eastern Musk turtle also climbs the vegetation to hunt and get to the surface for air.

When tree branches dip low, this turtle may venture into the tree. They are actually accomplished climbers and can get up to 6 feet high in the trees.

Eastern Musk turtles are mostly nocturnal, so they tend to stay hidden away during the day.

Like other turtles of the Kinosternidae family, this turtle has a solid colored, muddy looking shell, but they have white or yellow stripes on their heads. These stripes start at the nose, and travel back to the neck, running above and below the eyes.

Omnivores by nature, these turtles feed on tadpoles, fish, insects, crayfish, mollusks, and aquatic plants and algae.

17) Razorback Musk Turtle

Razorback Musk turtle (Sternotherus Carinatus) retracted in its shell on a table
Razorback Musk turtle (Sternotherus Carinatus) retracted in its shell on a table
  • Experience level: Beginner
  • Family: Kinosternidae
  • Scientific Name: Sternotherus Carinatus
  • Other Names: Razor-Backed musk turtle, Mississippi Musk turtle
  • Average Adult Size: 5 – 6 inches
  • Life Span: 20 – 30 years
  • Average Price Range: Approximately $80 – 160
  • Conservation Status: Least Concern

Razorback Musk turtles have serrated top scutes on their small shells. They are edged in black, while the rest of the shell varies from olive to black. 

The carapace can be decorated with black stripes or small spots. The skin is grey or dark brown with numerous speckles. 

These Musk turtles are able to assault the nostrils with their musk too when they are threatened. Mud and musk turtles can also become aggressive and will try to bite when they are handled. 

Found in East Texas in swamps, bogs, and other stagnant waters, the Razorback Musk turtle spends most of its time underwater. They search for waters with soft, muddy bottoms with plenty of plants to hide among and hunt through.

Mostly carnivorous, the Razorback Musk turtle feeds on crustaceans, insects, and other invertebrates. 

Painted Turtles in Texas

18) Southern Painted Turtle

Southern painted turtle (Chrysemys picta dorsalis) stopping on shore after getting out of the water
Southern painted turtle (Chrysemys picta dorsalis) stopping on shore after getting out of the water
  • Experience level: Beginner
  • Family: Emydidae
  • Scientific Name: Chrysemys dorsalis
  • Other Names: Painted Turtle
  • Average Adult Size: 4 – 6 inches
  • Life Span: 20 – 25 years
  • Average Price Range: $30 – $150
  • Conservation Status: Least Concern

Southern Painted turtles are the smallest of the Painted turtle subspecies. Most Painted turtles look very similar because they have smooth, slightly domed shells, and dark skin with yellow stripes all over. You can identify these subspecies if you’re able to get close enough for a detailed look.

Southern Painted turtles are small, and they have a red or orange stripe running down the middle of the smooth, dark brown to black carapace. The scutes are often outlined in a lighter color, and the plastron is tan or cream colored with no patterns.

As these turtles age, their diet preferences change. Juveniles feed on insects, and small crustaceans, while adults eat mostly vegetation.

Southern Painted turtles are found near the Louisiana border in Texas.

19) Western Painted Turtle

Western Painted turtle at Hawkeye wildlife in Iowa
Western Painted turtle at Hawkeye wildlife in Iowa
  • Experience Level: Beginner
  • Family: Emydidae
  • Scientific Name: Chrysemys Picta Belli
  • Other Names: N/A
  • Adult Size: Between 4 and 10 inches
  • Life Span: Between 30 and 50 years
  • Average Price Range: Between $30 and $150
  • Conservation Status: Least concern

Western Painted turtles get larger than our previous entrant, and they are found in the far western side of the state.

To identify this subspecies of Painted turtle, look for a more flattened carapace, alternating scutes, and a bright red plastron. The bottom shell also has a mirrored pattern of black, white, and dark blue.

Western Painted turtles are mostly found along the Rio Grande, and Pecos Rivers in Texas. Here they feed on fish, tadpoles, vegetation, algae, mollusks, and crustaceans. Even in murky waters, these turtles are able to find hidden prey.

Slider Turtles in Texas

20) Big Bend Slider

Big Bend Slider (Trachemys Gaigeae) basking on a rock
Big Bend Slider (Trachemys Gaigeae) basking on a rock – source
  • Experience Level: Beginner
  • Family: Emydidae
  • Scientific Name: Trachemys Gaigeae
  • Other Names: Mexican Plateau Slider
  • Adult Size: Between 5 and 11 inches
  • Lifespan: Between 20 and 30 years
  • Average Price Range: Very rare, up to $1,000
  • Conservation Status: Vulnerable

Big Bend Sliders are found in far western counties that border New Mexico. Their favorite habitats are ponds and rivers with plenty of basking areas. While they like to lounge in the sun, they will quickly dip back into the water when unfamiliar sights approach.

These turtles have olive colored shells with bright stripes, swirls, and other patterns. The carapace can have colors ranging from yellow, orange, red, green, brown, and black. Their scales and skin are dark green to black with yellow stripes.

They look very similar to Red Eared Sliders, except the Big Bend Slider gets larger, and they have yellow or orange patches behind their eyes. The previously mentioned Red Eared Slider has red patches. These two turtles do interbreed when they share habitats though.

The Big Bend Slider’s numbers are already threatened, but when they mate with Red Eared Sliders, this weakens their population even more.

Juveniles are mostly carnivorous, but adults feed more on plants. Either will eat insects, fish, and crustaceans occasionally.

21) Red Eared Slider

Red eared slider (Chrysemys scripta elegans) sunning found in Valencia Spain
Red eared slider (Chrysemys scripta elegans) sunning found in Valencia Spain
  • Experience level: Beginner
  • Family: Emydidae
  • Scientific Name: Trachemys scripta elegans
  • Common Name: Pond slider, Red-eared terrapin, Water slider
  • Average Adult Size: 6 – 8 inches
  • Life Span: 20 to 40 years
  • Average Price Range: approximately $30 to $100
  • Conservation Status: Least concern

Red Eared Sliders are found in much of the state. They are native to Texas but are invasive in most other areas where they have been released. These turtles can make their home in almost any type of water but prefer slow moving streams, lakes, ponds, and wetlands.

These turtles are aggressive baskers. They will frequently stack on top of each other, and push other species of turtles off. I’ve even heard of Red Eared Sliders bullying Common Snapping turtles!

Young Red Eared Sliders are very brightly colored and pretty. They have bright green to olive shells with orange, yellow, green, and brown decorating the carapace. They have brown to black skin with abundant yellow stripes, and the eponymous red patch behind their eyes.

These colorations darken and even fade as the turtle ages.

Red Eared Sliders don’t have trouble finding food. They will eat worms, shrimp, crustaceans, fish, tadpoles, algae, plants, seeds, and carrion.

Snapping Turtles in Texas

22) Alligator Snapping Turtle

Aggressive Alligator snapping turtle on gravel path ready to bite
Aggressive Alligator snapping turtle on gravel path ready to bite
  • Experience level: Expert
  • Family: Chelydrida
  • Scientific Name: Macrochelys temminckii
  • Common Name: Loggerhead Snapper
  • Average Adult Size: 13-30 inches
  • Life Span: 30 – 50 years
  • Average Price Range: Approximately $50 to $300
  • Conservation Status: Threatened

Alligator Snapping turtles are instantly recognizable thanks to their thick, spiked shells and beak-like jaws. They have a very large head in relation to the rest of their body, and a very long tail.

They are dark brown or olive colored all over and simply look frightening, especially when you factor in their size. Keep in mind that turtle length is measured by their carapace. A 25-inch Alligator Snapping turtle could actually be twice as long from nose to tail, especially when they stretch out their necks.

These big turtles rarely leave the water and prefer to stay submerged while luring in prey. They sit at the bottom of the water and open their mouths wide while staying completely motionless. On their tongue is a small, fleshy projection that looks like a worm.

The Alligator Snapping turtle will wiggle it to entice fish, crayfish, frogs, smaller turtles, and whatever else to come close. When the prey item comes to investigate, the turtle strikes out and snaps the animal up.

These turtles prefer deeper waters such as lakes, reservoirs, and wide rivers. Females will leave the water to lay eggs, but they rarely leave for much else.

They are mostly carnivorous and will eat anything they can catch in their sharp, powerful jaws.

23) Common Snapping Turtle

Common Snapping turtle (Chelydra Serpentina) sitting on the shoreline
Common Snapping turtle (Chelydra Serpentina) sitting on the shoreline
  • Experience level: Intermediate to Expert
  • Family: Chelydrida
  • Scientific Name: Chelydra Serpentina
  • Other Names: Snapping Turtle, Snapper, Eastern Snapping Turtle
  • Average Adult Size: 8 to 20 inches
  • Life Span: 30 – 50 years
  • Average Price Range: Approximately $40 to $120
  • Conservation Status: Least concern

Common Snapping turtles are large turtles, though not as large as Alligator Snappers. They have smoother shells but have three ridges mostly near the back of the carapace.

While these turtles are thought of as terribly aggressive, they are only a threat when on land. In the water, they are quite docile, and only try to get away from people if we accidentally encroach on their territory.

Most times, it’s females that are on land. They will travel for miles in search of a place to lay their eggs. Once they find a suitable habitat for their eggs, they will stay in that body of water.

Common Snapping turtles can be yellowish to nearly black, while their upper shell is brown to dark green. Often it’s covered in mud or algae. You’ll also see their long limbs and thick front claws when they are on land.

These turtles are omnivores. Most tend to feed on fish, frogs and other amphibians, crustaceans, insects, and other turtles. Some have been known to feed mostly on plants, so it varies depending on the individual turtle.

Softshell Turtles in Texas

24) Midland Smooth Softshell Turtle

Midland Smooth Softshell turtle (Apalone Mutica Mutica) basking on a rock
Midland Smooth Softshell turtle (Apalone Mutica Mutica) basking on a rock
  • Experience level: Intermediate
  • Family: Trionychidae
  • Scientific Name: Apalone Mutica
  • Other Names: N/A
  • Average Adult Size: 5 – 14 inches
  • Life Span: 10 – 20 years
  • Average Price Range: $50 – $150
  • Conservation Status: Least Concern

A subspecies of the Smooth Softshell turtle, the Midland Smooth Softshell is found in the western half of the state. They inhabit larger rivers with decent currents and sandy bottoms. Large sandbars are especially preferential as these turtles love to bask.

They love sandy bottoms because they blend in with sand so well. They are flattened, sandy colored, and like to bury themselves in the soft substrate. There they use their long necks to strike out at passing fish, insects, amphibians, and crustaceans.

They have a leathery skin covering their backs and undersides instead of a hard shell. They have a long snout that helps them reach up and get a breath of air without leaving their hiding spot.

Softshell turtles can stay underwater for a very long time because they are able to absorb oxygen from the water through their skin. 

Softshell turtles are aggressive and quick out of the water. They won’t chase you down, instead, they use their speed to get away, but if they are cornered or picked up, they will scratch and bite.

25) Texas Spiny Softshell

Texas Spiny Softshell turtles (Apalone spinifera emoryi) basking on the side of a bank
Texas Spiny Softshell turtles (Apalone spinifera emoryi) basking on the side of a bank – source
  • Experience level: Intermediate to Expert
  • Family: Trionychidae
  • Scientific Name: Apalone spinifera emoryi
  • Common Name: Spiny Softshell Turtle
  • Average Adult Size: 5 – 17 inches
  • Life Span: 40 – 60 years
  • Average Price Range: Approximately $50 – 280
  • Conservation Status: Least Concern

There are 4 different subspecies of Spiny Softshell turtles in Texas. For the most part, they prefer similar habitats, they are all mostly carnivorous, and look very similar aside from a few minor differences.

Softshell turtles display sexual dimorphism, meaning the sexes have big differences between them, in this case, females are at least twice as large as males.

Spiny Softshell turtles have fleshy spines along the front ridge of their shells, and their skin feels like sandpaper if you were able to touch it without them trying to bite chunks off you.

The Texas Spiny Softshell turtle is found along the Pecos and Rio Grande Rivers. They have light, almost white spots on the carapace, and have a yellowish border along the outer edge.

26) Spiny Softshell Turtle

Baby Spiny Softshell turtle on creek bed
  • Experience Level: Intermediate to Expert
  • Family: Trionychidae
  • Scientific Name: Apalone spinifera
  • Other Names: N/A
  • Adult Size: 5 to 9 ½ inches for males, 10 to 17 inches for females
  • Life Span: Between 20 and 50 years
  • Average Price Range: Between $20 and $120
  • Conservation Status: Threatened in some areas

Spiny Softshells inhabit North Texas in the Panhandle. These turtles have dark spots and splotches on their upper shell and are greyer in color. This coloration darkens as they age and spend more time in the sun. 

27) Guadalupe Spiny Softshell Turtle

Guadalupe Spiny Softshell (Apalone spinifera guadalupensis) found near San Antonio Texas in a creek
Guadalupe Spiny Softshell (Apalone spinifera guadalupensis) found near San Antonio Texas in a creek – source
  • Experience Level: Intermediate to Expert
  • Family: Trionychidae
  • Scientific Name: Apalone spinifera guadalupensis
  • Other Names: N/A
  • Adult Size: 5 to 9 inches for males, 15 to 21 inches for females
  • Life Span: Between 20 and 50 years
  • Average Price Range: Between $20 and $120
  • Conservation Status: Threatened

Guadalupe Spiny Softshells have a wider, yellow to white ridge around the shell, and white spots or blotches throughout. This subspecies is typically found along the Guadalupe River and the Nueces River located in the southeastern section of the state.

While males are smaller than females, they also retain a more circular shape while females elongate and take on an oval appearance. You can usually see vertebrae and ribs through the shells if you look closely.

28) Pallid Spiny Softshell Turtle

Pallid Spiny Softshell (Apalone spinifera pallida) being held for a picture
Pallid Spiny Softshell (Apalone spinifera pallida) being held for a picture – source
  • Experience Level: Intermediate to Expert
  • Family: Trionychidae
  • Scientific Name: Apalone spinifera pallida
  • Other Names: N/A
  • Adult Size: 5 to 9 inches for males, 12 to 18 inches for females
  • Life Span: Between 20 and 50 years
  • Average Price Range: Between $20 and $120
  • Conservation Status: Least concern

The Pallid Spiny Softshell turtle has white spots often ringed in black when they are young, but they can change or fade completely as they age. Better identification marks are the yellow stripes, outlined in black, on either side of the head and neck. 

These Spiny Softshell turtles are found along the Red River in northeastern Texas. 

Diamondback Terrapins in Texas

29) Texas Diamondback Terrapin

Texas Diamond Back Terrapin (Malaclemys Terrapin littoralis) caught for picture and released
Texas Diamond Back Terrapin (Malaclemys Terrapin littoralis) caught for picture and released – source
  • Experience Level: Intermediate
  • Family: Emydidae
  • Scientific Name: Malaclemys Terrapin littoralis
  • Other Names: N/A
  • Adult Size: 4 to 6 inches (Males) and 5 to 9 inches (Females)
  • Lifespan: Between 25 and 40 years
  • Average Price Range: Between $250 to $500
  • Conservation Status: Threatened

Texas Diamondback Terrapins are medium sized turtles found along the Gulf Coast. They are the only turtles that spend all their life in brackish and salty water. While they need to drink freshwater to survive, if they drink too much salt water, they have glands near their eyes that can excrete the excess salt.

You’ll find these turtles in estuaries, salt marshes, and tidal pools where freshwater and saltwater mix.

These beautiful turtles have grey to dark brown shells with black concentric rings on the scutes. Their skin is grey to olive green with a lot of black spots. Some rare varieties can even have white skin.

Diamondback Terrapins were once hunted almost to extinction because they were the main ingredient in turtle soup. Prohibition might have been what saved this species though. In the 1920s, wine and other alcohol were outlawed. Without the second most important ingredient, turtle soup fell out of favor and these turtles were left alone.

These turtles are completely out of the woods though, they still end up getting run over on roadways, and trapped in blue crab pots.

Diamondback Terrapins are mostly carnivorous, and their favorite foods are crabs, shrimp, and other crustaceans.

Tortoises in Texas

30) Texas Tortoise

Texas Tortoies (Gopherus Berlandieri) in sand eating greens
Texas Tortoies (Gopherus Berlandieri) in sand eating greens
  • Experience Level: Intermediate to Expert
  • Family: Testudinidae
  • Scientific Name: Gopherus Berlandieri
  • Other Names: N/A
  • Adult Size: Between 8 and 9 inches
  • Lifespan: Up to 60 years
  • Average Price Range: Sales prohibited, protected breed
  • Conservation Status: Threatened

The only tortoise species living in Texas is protected by law. You are not allowed to harm, take, sell, possess, or keep this species.

The Texas Tortoise is found in open grasslands, scrublands, and other dry regions in Southern Texas. They have high domed, brown shells with pale yellow in the middle of the scutes, which are bordered by thick, darker outlines. Their skin is grey, brown, or nearly black.

Their numbers are better in Mexico, but they are rare in Texas. They have a small home range and rarely travel more than a city block. Unlike most tortoises in America, this species rarely burrows. Instead, they seek out dense vegetation such as thick grasses or bushes to hide from the hot sun.

You cannot purchase these turtles, but you may be able to adopt one from a shelter if any are available. Captive bred specimens cannot be released into the wild because wild tortoises are highly susceptible to disease. Released tortoises could be immune but carry illnesses that could wipe out native populations.

These tortoises are herbivores. They feed on cacti, succulents, plants, fruits, seeds, and berries.

Sea Turtles in Texas

Four species of Sea turtles regularly visit Texas beaches. These include the Green Sea turtle, Hawksbill Sea turtle, Kemp’s Ridley Sea turtle, and the Loggerhead Sea turtle. The Kemp’s Ridley Sea turtle is Texas’ official state sea turtle.

Unfortunately, these four species are also endangered. Although they cannot be owned as pets, here are some facts about each species.

31) Green Sea Turtle

Green Sea turtle (Chelonia mydas) swimming in turquoise waters
Green Sea turtle (Chelonia mydas) swimming in turquoise waters
  • Experience level: N/A, Illegal to own any sea turtle
  • Family: Cheloniidae
  • Scientific Name: Chelonia mydas
  • Other Names: Green Sea Turtle
  • Average Adult Size: 3 – 4 feet
  • Life Span: 50 – 70 years
  • Average Price Range: N/A
  • Conservation Status: Endangered

Green Sea turtles can be seen in the Gulf of Mexico in the summer months. Occasionally they may come and nest on a few beaches. 

Green Sea turtles have brown, green, black, and yellow, mottled shells. Their skin is white or yellowish, with dark colored scales. You may be asking why they are called “Green” Sea turtles when there seems to be so little of that color. 

That’s because when they were hunted for food, the fat and other tissues inside were green. This is because of their diet. These turtles mainly eat algae and sea grasses in shallow waters, bays, and reefs. 

32) Hawksbill Sea Turtle

Hawksbill Sea Turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata) swimming towards camera in red sea
Hawksbill Sea Turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata) swimming towards camera in red sea
  • Family: Cheloniidae
  • Scientific Name: Eretmochelys Imbricata
  • Other Names:
  • Adult Size: Between 30 and 35 inches
  • Weight: Between 100 to 155 lbs
  • Lifespan: Between 30 and 50 years
  • Conservation Status: Critically Endangered

Hawksbill Sea turtles are critically endangered because several countries still hunt these turtles. Most of the time it’s just the shell that’s harvested. They have gorgeous, marbled shells that are polished and used to make glasses frames, decorative items, and hair accessories.

These turtles eat mainly sponges. Many sponges are toxic to other animals, including humans, and sometimes the turtle’s flesh can be mildly toxic, so the flesh isn’t eaten that often.

The Hawksbill turtle has a sharp beak that is made for cutting the tough sponges they eat. They have oval shells with amber, black, and green marbling.

They are often found in tropical waters, reefs, and other shallows where they search for food. Hawksbill Sea turtles do not nest in the Gulf of Mexico.

33) Kemp’s Ridley Sea Turtle

Kemp's Ridley (Lepidochelys kempii) swimming in aquarium
Kemp’s Ridley (Lepidochelys kempii) swimming in aquarium
  • Experience level: N/A, Illegal to own any sea turtle
  • Family: Cheloniidae
  • Scientific Name: Eretmochelys imbricata
  • Other Names: Hawksbill
  • Average Adult Size: 30 – 36 inches
  • Life Span: 50 – 60 years
  • Average Price Range: N/A
  • Conservation Status: Critically endangered

Kemp’s Ridley Sea turtles are the smallest and most endangered of these marine creatures. They have small, green to dark grey nearly pear shaped shells. They have a central, serrated ridge along the carapace.

The Kemp’s Ridley Sea turtle is one species that nests on Texas’s beaches. These turtles practice mass nesting habits called arribada. Several will wait in the shallows until a large group has gathered, then they will all come ashore at the same time.

This helps baby turtles survive the gauntlet from nest to water when they all hatch at the same time. Birds, gulls, fish, crabs, lizards, and nearly everything else will eat baby turtles, and they seem to know when they are going to hatch.

It’s thought that only about 1 in 1000 live to see adulthood.

Kemp’s Ridley Sea turtles feed on crustaceans such as crabs, lobsters, and shrimp. They also feed on fish, and other small aquatic animals. 

34) Loggerhead Sea Turtle

Loggerhead Sea Turtle (Caretta Caretta) Swimming on sea floor by rocks and sand
Loggerhead Sea Turtle (Caretta Caretta) Swimming on sea floor by rocks and sand
  • Experience Level: N/A, Illegal to own any sea turtle
  • Family: Cheloniidae
  • Scientific Name: Caretta Caretta
  • Other Names: Loggerhead
  • Adult Size: 2.5 – 3.5 feet
  • Life Span: 70 – 80 years
  • Average Price Range: N/A
  • Conservation Status: Endangered

Loggerhead Sea turtles are the largest hard shelled turtles in the world. They have large, heart-shaped carapaces in various shades of red and brown. The Loggerhead Sea turtle has a wide, broad head in relation to its size.

They use this big head, and strong jaw muscles to crack through the thick shells of mollusks such as whelks and conchs. They also feed on lobsters and horseshoe crabs.

Wrapping Up

In this extensive list, we have examined all of the native species and subspecies of turtles found in Texas. We’ve covered terrestrial turtles such as the Desert Box turtle, and the Texas Tortoise to fully aquatic specimens like the threatened Alligator Snapping turtle.

We also briefly went over the 4 Sea turtles that visit the beaches and shallows of the Gulf of Mexico. 

While this list was quite large, you can use it as a herping guide, or to help you decide on a turtle pet. When getting a pet turtle, do your research and find a quality, ethical breeder. Taking native turtles from the wild not only harms the environment but stresses the turtle out too. 

If you enjoyed this list and want to discuss these turtles with fellow herpetology enthusiasts, leave a comment below!

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