Map Turtles (Graptemys sp.)

The map turtles consist of 15 species and subspecies.  They inhabit rivers, streams, and lakes within the United States.  Some of the species are confined to larger river systems (ie Barbour’s Map Turtle), while others can be found around the Great Lakes (ie Northern Map Turtle).  They are grouped as either a broad headed or narrow headed species.  Females of the broad headed group get rather large heads for eating mollusks.  Map turtles require clean water in order to be adequately cared for.  Map turtles have extreme sexual dimorphism, where the females can be twice as large (or more) than the males.  They range in size from 13 inches (adult female Barbour’s Map Turtles) to 3 inches (adult male Texas/Cagle’s Map Turtle).  Currently, there are 2 species listed as Threatened on the Endangered Species Act (Yellow Blotched and Ringed Map Turtles).