With their colorful shells and aquatic lifestyle, slider turtles are popular pets. But with several similar looking species to choose from, it can be tricky to tell them apart. If you’re trying to identify whether you have a cumberland slider or a yellow bellied slider, this guide will walk you through the key differences.

If you’re short on time, here’s the quick answer: Cumberland sliders have a notch in their upper shell, while yellow bellied sliders do not. Cumberland sliders also have yellow stripes on their heads and necks, while yellow bellied sliders have yellow blotches or spots instead.

Appearance

Shell

The shells of Cumberland and yellow bellied sliders have some distinct differences that can help identify them. Here are some of the key features of each turtle’s shell:

  • Cumberland slider shells are oval-shaped and have a low, smooth dome appearance. Their shells range in color from olive to brownish-black and often have yellow lines radiating from the center of each scute (section of the shell).
  • Yellow bellied sliders have more oblong, flattened shells that are olive to brownish in color. Their shells frequently have a brighter yellow central stripe down the middle of each scute compared to the Cumberland.
  • Cumberlands tend to have a much darker overall shell coloration without the vibrant yellows commonly seen in yellow bellied sliders.
  • The Cumberland’s carapace (upper shell) often has an intricate, net-like pattern whereas the yellow belly’s carapace has thin yellow lines that are less interconnected.

Head & Neck

Examining the head and neck region can also help distinguish between these two subspecies of painted turtles. Here are some of the notable differences:

  • Cumberlands have small yellow spots or flecks along the sides of the head and neck. Yellow bellies lack these spots and have heads that are solid green-gray in color.
  • Cumberland sliders usually have two pronounced yellow stripes running along each side of the neck. Yellow bellies have less vibrant, faint yellow stripes or no stripes at all.
  • The Cumberland’s jaw is dotted with small yellow spots. The yellow belly may have a striped pattern but no bright yellow dots or markings.

Leg & Tail Markings

The legs and tail can also reveal clues about the turtle’s identity. Look for these key features:

  • Cumberland sliders have yellow stripes running horizontally along their forelegs. Their hind legs also have yellow bars and spots.
  • Yellow bellied sliders lack these bright yellow stripes and markings on all legs and feet.
  • The Cumberland’s tail has yellow bars while the yellow belly has a tail with thin yellow lines and an orange patch near the base.
  • Cumberlands have well-defined black markings on the skin between the scutes and scales. Yellow bellies have dark blotches between scales that are less pronounced.

By carefully examining the shell, head, legs, and tail, an experienced observer can distinguish between these two similar-looking turtle species based on their key physical differences.

Habitat & Behavior

Native Habitat

The Cumberland slider is native to the southeastern United States, primarily found near rivers, lakes, and ponds in states like Tennessee, Alabama, and Kentucky. In contrast, the yellow bellied slider originates from the midwestern and northeastern parts of the US, inhabiting bodies of water in states such as Nebraska, Wisconsin, and Illinois.

Both species prefer calm, warm bodies of fresh water with ample basking sites. However, the yellow bellied slider is known to tolerate colder water temperatures than the Cumberland slider, given its more northern native range.

An amazing fact is that the Cumberland slider prefers cleaner water than the yellow bellied slider, which doesn’t mind some vegetation or murkiness.

Basking Habits

Being cold-blooded reptiles, basking is vital behavior for both Cumberland and yellow bellied sliders. Basking allows them to regulate their body temperature and digest their food.

An interesting difference is that Cumberland sliders seem to bask in groups more often, piling on top of each other on logs or rocks near the water’s edge. Yellow bellied sliders exhibit more solitary basking habits, spreading out alone along the shoreline.

One hypothesis suggests the Cumberland slider’s social basking aids thermoregulation in the warmer southern climates they inhabit.

Diet

In the wild, Cumberland and yellow bellied sliders are omnivorous opportunistic feeders, consuming both plant and animal matter. They will eat insects, fish, tadpoles, crayfish, and aquatic vegetation.

One notable difference is that the Cumberland slider has shown a greater tendency to feed on mollusks, like freshwater snails and mussels. It uses its strong jaws to crush the shells. The yellow bellied slider seems to prefer a more varied diet of insects and vegetation.

In captivity, both should be fed a balanced commercial turtle diet, along with treats like crickets, worms, greens, fruits, and veggies. Proper nutrition supports their health and that vibrant yellow belly pattern!

Sexual Dimorphism

Male Characteristics

Male Cumberland sliders tend to be smaller in size compared to females, usually only growing to be around 5-7 inches long. Their tails are also shorter and thinner than females. One of the most distinct features of male Cumberland sliders is their long front claws, which can grow twice as long as the claws of females.

These elongated claws, along with their smaller size, enable males to mount the carapace of females during mating.

Another way to identify male Cumberland sliders is by looking at the underside of their shell. Males have a concave plastron to aid in mating, while females have a flat plastron. The anal scutes of males are also thicker and longer than females.

In addition, male Cumberland sliders develop tan and yellow markings on the sides of their heads upon reaching sexual maturity. These bright facial markings help attract females during breeding season.

Female Characteristics

Female Cumberland sliders are noticeably larger than males, averaging 8-10 inches in length when fully grown. Their tails are also thicker and longer. Females lack the elongated front claws seen in males, and have significantly shorter nails on all feet.

Their plastron is flat and level with the carapace margins.

The most telltale sign of a female Cumberland slider is the small, oval-shaped cloaca located on the underside of the tail. This opening is used for laying eggs. Additionally, females do not develop the colorful facial markings seen in mature males, keeping their heads mostly olive green or brown.

Their anal scutes are also shorter than the male’s.

Conclusion

While quite similar at first glance, a close look reveals several key differences between cumberland and yellow bellied sliders. By examining the shell notch, head markings, native habitat and other distinguishing features, you can positively identify which species you have.

Proper identification will help ensure you can meet all the specific care needs of your pet turtle.

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