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In order to distinguish itself from other turtles and thrive in its unique environment, the Big Bend slider (Chrysemys gaigeae) displays a number of unique physical traits. The morphological characteristics that help this species thrive in its native habitat in the southwestern US and northern Mexico are its size, colors, and shell structure.
The top shell, or carapace, of a Big Bend slider is one of its most distinctive characteristics. Typically, the carapace has a color range from olive to dark brown and is decorated with longitudinal yellow stripes. While it blends in with the watery flora and muddy riverbeds as a natural camouflage mechanism, its striping pattern also aids in species identification. In addition to providing protection, the dome-shaped and somewhat flattened carapace maximizes hydrodynamic efficiency while submerged.
The bottom shell, or plastron, of a Big Bend slider is generally a paler shade of yellow with black spots on each of the shell's scutes. The blotches stand out against the yellow backdrop and may be any size or form. As well as helping with health monitoring and identification, the plastron provides extra protection for the turtle's underbelly.
The Big Bend slider is a turtle of medium size. The average carapace length for an adult male is 5–8 inches, while the average length for a female is 8–10 inches. In order to make room for egg production and laying, female turtles tend to be bigger than males. This is a feature shared by many species of turtles. Juveniles begin their lives much shorter, measuring just 1 to 1.5 inches in length when they hatch.
Big Bend sliders are easily identifiable by their unique heads and legs. A pair of eyes with the distinctive horizontal pupil and a somewhat short snout characterize the medium-sized head. A dark brown or olive hue covers the head and limbs, which are striped with yellow to match the carapace. The stripes go from the top of the head all the way down the body, helping in both disguise and identifying the animal's species.
The Big Bend slider's limbs are well suited to a life spent in water. Males in particular have large claws on their front limbs that they utilize to grab females during mating rituals. Effective aquatic propulsion is provided by the strong and webbed hind limbs. The interdigital web is an essential component of a turtle's swimming gait, which it uses to gracefully traverse its aquatic habitat.
Claw length is another distinguishing trait that shows sexual dimorphism. In comparison to females, men have longer claws on their front paws. When a male is courting a female, he will often show off his long claws by vibrating them near her head. Important to their reproductive strategy, this action exemplifies how outward appearances matter when it comes time to mate.