Common Map Turtle
(Graptemys
geographica) |
 |
DESCRIPTION: Males 4-6 1/4"
(10.2-15.9 cm); females, 7-10 3/4" (17.8-27.3 cm). Carapace
greenish to olive-brown, with reticulated pattern of thin
yellow-orange lines (obscure in adult females); somewhat
flattened and with a low keel (with small spines in juveniles).
Plastron yellowish; patternless in adults, with black-bordered
scute seams in juveniles. Skin greenish with narrow yellow
stripes; an isolated yellow spot, often triangular in shape,
found behind the eye. Adult females have enlarged heads.
STATUS:
RANGE: Great Lakes
drainage, south to Tennessee and Alabama; also Arkansas and
Missouri river drainages. Isolated populations in Delaware River
and Susquehanna River drainage.
HABITAT: Deep, slow-moving waters,
such as large rivers and lakes with muddy bottoms.
SPECIAL HABITAT:
FOOD: Freshwater clams, snails and crayfish |
