Description

Alabama Map Turtles are habitat conspecifics with the Black-knobbed Map Turtle (the exclusively inhabit the same river system). It is found extensively in central Alabama river systems and the Mobile Bay drainage. While the species can be found often in Alabama, it may only be observed occasionally in eastern and northeastern Mississippi where tributaries and drainages connect to the primary habitat in the bordering state. The carapace can be large with a dark line down the middle and pronounced keel and knobs. Knobs may be reduced or not present in older individuals, especially females (Guyer et al., 2015). The species is identified with its large yellow or greenish blotch between the eyes and medium blotch behind the eyes. Map turtles often bask on branches, logs, and other vegetative matter, often angled at 45°.

Identifying Traits

• Broad yellowish or greenish interorbital blotch
• Medium postorbital blotch

Habitat

Rivers, tributaries, and oxbow lakes related to their home river system

Behavior

Map turtles often bask on branches, logs, and other vegetative matter, often angled at 45°. 

Diet

Eats invertebrates and algae, diet still poorly known (Guyer et al., 2015)