Common Name:
Map turtle
Scientific Name:
Graptemys geographica
Unique Qualities:
This turtle gets its name from the light yellow lines that form a reticulated or map-like pattern on the back.
Can be Seen:
These turtles likes to hang out in the Great Lakes region, upper Mississippi River, and Arkansas and Missouri River drainage basins.
Likes to Hang Out:
Map turtles can be seen basking on rocks and logs in lakes and rivers.
Likes to Eat:
Map turtles eat primarily snails and clams. Additional foods include crayfish, aquatic insect larvae, fish, and a few aquatic plants.
Status:
The map turtle is listed by COSEWIC as a species of special concern. The map turtle is losing habitat in southern Ontario and Quebec as more and more people move into the area. Also, scientists have found dangerous heavy metals and toxins in the turtle’s diet.
