Description

This species relatively common in the Midwest and northern US, and is found in Mississippi River drainages and tributaries in the western part of the state. Shell is olive-brown with a dorsal keel and dark knobs. This species can be identified by the presence of a thin crescent that prevents eye stripes from reaching the eye (Powell et al., 2016). Map turtles often bask on branches, logs, and other vegetative matter, often angled at 45°.

Identifying Traits

• Crescent blocking multiple thin stripes from reaching eye

Subspecies Present:

Mississippi Map Turtle (Graptemys pseudogeographica kohnii)

Habitat

Rivers, ponds, swamps, oxbow lakes associated with the Mississippi River

Behavior

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

Diet

Invertebrates and vegetation