There is a distinct bar behind the eyes that can vary from yellow to red and be either thin or wide.

The turtle's legs in front have larger yellow stripes than most slider species.

[citation needed] T. s. troostii is found throughout the Mississippi and Tennessee River drainages, and the Southeastern United States.

Ponds, lakes, and streams, with a profusion of aquatic vegetation, organic substrate, and overhanging basking spots, are especially favored.

[citation needed] Most people agree that the native lands of the Cumberland slider are in the Cumberland River Valley, ranging in Kentucky and Tennessee, but with the exotic animal trade, it has become a common sight even in Alabama, Georgia, and Illinois.

The females may go extremely far from the water to nest and are occasionally hit by cars while crossing roads.

[5] The adults eat algae, fish, tadpoles, crayfish, seeds, plants, aquatic vegetation, insects, worms, and mollusks.