Common Map Turtle
ExploreReptile
Common Map Turtle
Graptemys geographica
The Common Map Turtle has a beautiful, patterned shell that looks like a map. They enjoy basking on rocks and are great at swimming!
Habitat: Rivers and lakes
Appearance
The Common Map Turtle has an olive-green shell covered in fine yellow lines, resembling a topographic map. Its head and limbs feature similar yellow streaks, with a small yellow spot behind each eye. A prominent keel runs down the center of its shell.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassTestudinesOrderTestudinesFamilyEmydidaeGenusGraptemys
Category
ReptileRarity
Common
Danger
2/5
Snaps
2
Interesting facts
Each turtle's shell pattern is unique, like a human fingerprint, making them special.
Female map turtles grow much bigger than males, almost twice their size!
The temperature of the nest decides if a baby map turtle will be a boy or a girl!
These turtles love to bask together in sunny spots, sometimes stacked on top of each other!
Special abilities
Ability
Keen-Eyed Hunter
Common Map Turtle can spot tiny prey from a distance because of their excellent underwater vision.
Ability
Shell Camouflage
Common Map Turtle has intricate map-like patterns on its shell that help them blend into rocky riverbeds.
Measurements & details
- Length
- 10-30 cm
- Weight
- 0.1-2.5 kg
- Lifespan
- 15-30 years
- Top Speed
- 0.5 km/h
- Swim Speed
- 4 km/h
- Clutch Size
- 6-20
- Incubation
- 50-70 days
- Max Depth
- 5 m
Diet & Feeding
These turtles are mostly carnivores, munching on snails, insects, and small fish in their watery homes.
Age differences: Younger turtles eat more insects, while adults mainly feast on snails, clams, and crayfish.
Primary Foods
- Snails
- Crayfish
- Aquatic insects
- Small fish
- Clams
- Aquatic plants
Foraging Method
- Foraging
Ecological connections
eaten by
Raccoon
Procyon lotor
Eggs and hatchlings are vulnerable to predation.
eaten by
American Crow
Corvus brachyrhynchos
Crows often raid nests for turtle eggs.
eats
Pond Snail
Physa acuta
Predominantly feeds on various freshwater snails.
eats
Rusty Crayfish
Orconectes rusticus
Adult turtles crush and consume these crustaceans.
Traits
Wildlife
Step into the incredible world of wild animals and plants living freely in nature. From tiny insects to towering trees, it's all part of the wild wonders around us!
Piscivorous
Discover amazing animals that love to eat fish! They're like expert underwater hunters, always on the lookout for a tasty meal from the rivers, lakes, and oceans.
Longevous
Marvel at organisms that have an incredible capacity to live for a very, very long time, sometimes spanning centuries or even millennia. They are the elders of the natural world!
Armored
Find creatures protected by tough, hard coverings, almost like a natural shield! This armor helps keep them safe from harm in the wild.
Diurnal
Wake up with creatures that are most active during the day! They love the sunshine for finding food, playing, and exploring.
Freshwater
Discover animals and plants that live in non-salty water, like rivers, lakes, and ponds! These watery homes are vibrant with life.
Also known as
Geographic Map TurtleNorthern Map Turtle
Collections
Safety
Danger
2/5
Look but don’t touch. Keep a safe distance and wash hands after exploring.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is Common Map Turtle?
10-30 cm
How much does Common Map Turtle weigh?
0.1-2.5 kg
How long does Common Map Turtle live?
15-30 years
How fast can Common Map Turtle move?
0.5 km/h
What does Common Map Turtle eat?
These turtles are mostly carnivores, munching on snails, insects, and small fish in their watery homes.
How fast can Common Map Turtle swim?
4 km/h
Where is Common Map Turtle usually found?
Rivers and lakes
How does Common Map Turtle hunt?
Foraging
Snap Map
Zoom in to split clusters and explore where this object has been snapped.
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