Description

The Yellow-blotched Map Turtle, or Yellow-blotched Sawback, is a brightly-colored map turtle found exclusively in drainages directly related to the Pascagoula River. It is listed as endangered by the US endangered species act due to restricted habitat requirements. Despite this, these turtles may be highly abundant in many parts of their habitat. Shells are nearly circular or slightly oval-shaped, with pronounced ridge of dorsal spines (hence “sawback”). The species is identified with its notable yellow markings on the carapace. Yellow-blotched Maps exhibit extreme sexual dimorphism, with females being up to and over twice as large as some males. They also exhibit microcephalic head dimensions (compared to their inhabiting conspecifics). Map turtles often bask on branches, logs, and other vegetative matter, often angled at 45°.

Identifying Traits

• Yellow blotch on each carapace scute, color is reduced on older individuals and may be hidden under algal growth or mud

Habitat

Rivers, tributaries, and oxbow lakes related to the Pascagoula River system

Behavior

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

Diet

Aquatic invertebrates such as snails, crustaceans