False Map Turtle

Graptemys pseudogeographica

The False Map Turtle is a small, colorful turtle that loves to bask in the sun on logs and rocks. They have unique patterns on their shells that look like maps, helping them blend into their watery homes.

Habitat: Wetlands

Appearance

The False Map Turtle has a distinctive olive-brown to grayish-brown carapace, marked with intricate yellow or orange map-like lines, and a noticeable ridge down its back. Its head, neck, and limbs are dark with bright yellow stripes, often with a prominent yellow spot behind each eye, making it visually distinct from similar turtles.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassTestudinesOrderTestudinesFamilyEmydidaeGenusGraptemys

False Map Turtle

Interesting facts

Every False Map Turtle has unique shell patterns, just like human fingerprints!

Female False Map Turtles are much bigger than males, sometimes twice their size!

These turtles often stack themselves on top of each other while basking in the sun!

They can hold their breath underwater for a very long time, sometimes hours when resting!

Special abilities

False Map Turtle has map-like shell patterns that help them blend seamlessly with rocky riverbeds and submerged logs.

False Map Turtle can bask for hours because absorbing sunlight helps them regulate body temperature and health.

False Map Turtle has strong webbed feet that help them swim swiftly and gracefully through flowing water.

False Map Turtle can switch their diet because they are omnivores, eating both plants and animals as they grow.

Measurements & details

Length: 10-27 cm
Weight: 0.3-2.5 kg
Lifespan: 15-30 years
Top Speed: 1 km/h
Swim Speed: 8 km/h
Clutch Size: 8-22
Incubation: 60-90 days
Maximum Depth: 10 m

Diet & Feeding

These turtles enjoy a varied diet of tiny water creatures and yummy plants.

Age differences: Young turtles eat more insects and fish, while adults prefer a higher percentage of plants.

Primary Foods

Aquatic insects
Small fish
Aquatic plants
Algae
Snails

Foraging Method

Foraging

Ecological connections

eats

Great Pond Snail

Lymnaea stagnalis

An important food source for these turtles.

eats

Mosquitofish

Gambusia affinis

Small fish commonly consumed by False Map Turtles.

eaten by

Common Snapping Turtle

Chelydra serpentina

Larger snapping turtles may prey on juvenile False Map Turtles.

eaten by

Raccoon

Procyon lotor

Raccoons frequently raid turtle nests, eating eggs and hatchlings.

depends on

Southern Naiad

Najas guadalupensis

Provides both food and cover in their aquatic environment.

Traits

Solitary

Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care.

Omnivorous

This trait identifies organisms whose diet includes both plant and animal matter.

Camouflaged

Camouflaged describes organisms that possess coloring or patterns that allow them to blend into their environment.

Colorful

Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors.

Wetland

This habitat trait identifies species found in wetlands, which are areas of land saturated with water, either permanently or seasonally, including marshes, swamps, and bogs.