# 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. - **Category:** [Reptiles](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/reptile) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low - **Snaps:** 2 - **Habitat:** Wetlands ![False Map Turtle](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/Turtle_vdg.jpg&width=800) Photo: Vincent de Groot - http://www.videgro.net, CC BY-SA 4.0 · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Turtle_vdg.jpg) ## 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. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Chordata - **Class:** Testudines - **Order:** Testudines - **Family:** Emydidae - **Genus:** Graptemys ## 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 - **Patterned Camouflage:** False Map Turtle has map-like shell patterns that help them blend seamlessly with rocky riverbeds and submerged logs. - **Solar Charger:** False Map Turtle can bask for hours because absorbing sunlight helps them regulate body temperature and health. - **River Glider:** False Map Turtle has strong webbed feet that help them swim swiftly and gracefully through flowing water. - **Flexible Feeder:** 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 - **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](https://www.snappit.app/explore/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](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/solitary): Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care. - [Omnivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/omnivorous): This trait identifies organisms whose diet includes both plant and animal matter. - [Camouflaged](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/camouflaged): Camouflaged describes organisms that possess coloring or patterns that allow them to blend into their environment. - [Colorful](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/colorful): Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors. - [Wetland](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/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. - [Diurnal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/diurnal): Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night. - [Aquatic](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/aquatic): Aquatic habitats encompass environments where organisms live predominantly in water, including oceans, rivers, lakes, and wetlands. ## Collections - [Reptiles](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/reptiles) ## Safety **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low Don't touch wild turtles; they can be shy and scared. Always watch them from a distance! ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify False Map Turtle? Compare shell shape, shell markings, head stripes and the shape of the feet. Wear, age and algae can hide shell patterns. Turtle Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details. ### How long is False Map Turtle? 10-27 cm ### How much does False Map Turtle weigh? 0.3-2.5 kg ### How long does False Map Turtle live? 15-30 years ### How fast can False Map Turtle move? 1 km/h ### What does False Map Turtle eat? These turtles enjoy a varied diet of tiny water creatures and yummy plants. ### How fast can False Map Turtle swim? 8 km/h ### Where is False Map Turtle usually found? Wetlands ## Where to spot - [Thurber](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/thurber) — Texas, US · Neighborhood - [Cairo Historic District](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/cairo-historic-district) — Illinois, US · Historic District ## More Reptiles - [Pond Slider](https://www.snappit.app/explore/pond-slider) (*Trachemys scripta*) - [Western Fence Lizard](https://www.snappit.app/explore/western-fence-lizard) (*Sceloporus occidentalis*) - [Common Five-lined Skink](https://www.snappit.app/explore/common-five-lined-skink) (*Plestiodon fasciatus*) - [Desert Spiny Lizard](https://www.snappit.app/explore/desert-spiny-lizard) (*Sceloporus magister*) --- Source: [False Map Turtle: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/false-map-turtle)