Emydidae

/ɛmɪˈdeɪi/ noun

Definition

A large family of freshwater and semi-aquatic turtles found primarily in North America, including pond turtles, box turtles, and sliders.

Etymology

New Latin family name derived from Greek emys ('turtle') with the Linnaean family suffix -idae. Established by zoologist John Edward Gray in the 19th century.

Kelly Says

The Emydidae family includes the beloved red-eared slider turtle that many people keep as pets—and the name Emydidae has remained unchanged for over 150 years in scientific classification, making it one of the oldest continuously used family names in modern taxonomy!

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