Description

Much like the False Map Turtle, this species is relatively common in the Midwest and northern US, and is found in Mississippi River drainages and tributaries in the western part of the state, as well as the northern and northeastern margins in streams and rivers. Shell is olive-green to brown with a moderate dorsal keel, dark mid-dorsal line. Yellow patterns may be circular on the pleurals (Guyer et al., 2015). This species can be identified by the presence of a rectangular or oval-shaped yellow marking behind the eye, and oval marking below the eye, and three lines entering the orbit (Guyer et al., 2015; Powell et al., 2016). Unique to this species are three dots located in a triangular fashion below the chin, which may be observed when in hand. Map turtles often bask on branches, logs, and other vegetative matter, often angled at 45°.

Identifying Traits

• Rectangular or oval-shaped marking behind eye
• Oval marking below eye
• Three (or fewer) lines extending to orbit (eye area)

Habitat

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

Behavior

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

Diet

Invertebrates and vegetation