California red-bellied turtle (SciiFii)

The California red-bellied turtle (Pseudemys californianus), sometimes known as the California red-bellied cooter or simply the red turtle, is a species of turtle in the Pseudemys (cooter) genus of the family Emydidae that originally did not exist, but has since been created by SciiFii and introduced throughout the lakes, rivers, ponds, brackish waters, and wetlands across western North America to help boost biodiversity. A fairly large river turtle, the California red-bellied turtle averages about 29 to 30 centimeters (11 to 12 inches) in length and weighs on average around 3 kg (6.6 lb), although large females can measure up to 40 centimeters (16 inches) in length. It feeds primarily on aquatic vegetation, although fruits and insects can be supplemented, and can be found sunning itself on logs. Nesting of the California red-bellied turtle occurs from April through June. Female California red-bellied turtles lay their eggs on dry land, digging nests in sandy or muddy soil, where 9 to 17 eggs are laid. Hatchlings usually emerge during the summer. However, when the turtles nest in late June, hatchlings may overwinter in the nest and emerge the following spring. The conservation status of the California red-bellied turtle is Least Concern due to successful conservation efforts, the California red-bellied turtle's wide range and its tolerance to many of the human activities.