Geographic variation in the redbelly turtle, Pseudemys rubriventris (Reptilia: Testudines)

Abstract

Geographic variation in shell size and scute proportions in the redbelly turtle (Pseudemys rubriventris) was examined through univariate and multivariate analyses of separate male and female data sets. These analyses revealed the existence of clinal variation in some characters for males, but no obvious geographic patterns among females. No geographic population showed enough morphologic morphologic distinction to warrant subspecific status.