Information on Map Turtles

The map turtle is a species of turtle that gets its name from the connected yellow lines on the backside of its upper shell and body that remind people of a road map. The map turtle is a shy reptile that will quickly escape into the water if anyone approaches it.

Geography

The range of the various subspecies of map turtles extends across most of the eastern half of the United States--from Florida to Quebec in Canada--and as far west as Texas.

Features

The map turtle is also known as the "sawback turtle" due to the presence of a ridge that runs down the middle part of its upper shell. This turtle also possesses strong jaws and a largish head.

Identification

Most female map turtles are larger than the males, but the male map turtles have thicker tails that are typically longer than those of the females.

Habitat

The habitat of the map turtle varies with the species but it is always an aquatic one, with some living in lazy rivers, others in swamps and some in ponds.

Fun Fact

The wary nature of the map turtle makes it difficult at best to approach as they will select places such as downed trees and logs surrounded by water on which to sit in the warm sun.

References

• An Overview of the Map Turtles of the United States
• Missouri Dept of Conservation Website