Yellow-bellied and red-eared terrapins. These two species of freshwater turtles (or terrapins) are the red-eared slider (Trachemys scripta elegans) and the yellow-bellied slider (Trachemys scripta scripta). These turtles are native to the southern USA, but have spread worldwide due to release as unwanted pets. These are now invasive species that are putting the native European turtle in danger.