Ouachita Map Turtle
ExploreReptiles
Ouachita Map Turtle
Graptemys ouachitensis
The Ouachita Map Turtle is a special turtle with beautiful patterns on its shell that look like a map! They love to bask in the sun on rocks and are often found in rivers and lakes.
Habitat: Freshwater rivers and lakes
Appearance
The Ouachita Map Turtle has a distinctive olive to brown shell with yellow, maze-like lines that resemble a map. It also features a prominent, irregular yellow or orange blotch behind each eye. Its shell often has a noticeable ridge down the center.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassTestudinesOrderTestudinesFamilyEmydidaeGenusGraptemys
Category
ReptilesRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Baby turtles have extra spikes on their shell to look scary to predators!
Male Ouachita Map Turtles are often half the size of females!
These turtles eat lots of algae, helping to keep river water clean for everyone!
They use their strong claws to climb onto logs and sun themselves for hours!
Special abilities
Ability
Shell Fortress
Ouachita Map Turtle can retreat quickly into its hard, protective shell that helps them hide from danger.
Ability
Sonar Gaze
Ouachita Map Turtle can see clearly underwater because of specialized eyes that help them spot food and predators.
Ability
Stealth Sniper
Ouachita Map Turtle can lie motionless to wait for food because its patient nature helps them ambush small critters.
Ability
Sun Charger
Ouachita Map Turtle can warm up in the sun because its cold-blooded nature helps them control body temperature.
Measurements & details
- Length
- 10-25 cm
- Weight
- 0.2-1.5 kg
- Lifespan
- 15-25 years
- Top Speed
- 1 km/h
- Swim Speed
- 4 km/h
- Clutch Size
- 6-15
- Incubation
- 60-90 days
- Maximum Depth
- 5 m
Diet & Feeding
These turtles primarily munch on plants and insects, but also enjoy snails and small fish!
Age differences: Young turtles eat more insects and small critters, while adults prefer plants and algae.
Primary Foods
- aquatic plants
- algae
- insect larvae
- snails
- small fish
- crayfish
Foraging Method
- Foraging
Ecological connections
eaten by
Raccoon
Procyon lotor
Raids nests for eggs and preys on young turtles.
eaten by
American Alligator
Alligator mississippiensis
Predator of larger turtles in shared habitats.
eats
Pond Snail
Physa acuta
Actively consumes these small aquatic snails.
eats
Coontail
Ceratophyllum demersum
Grazes on this common submerged aquatic plant.
Traits
Spotted
Marked with spots or patches of a different color.
Solitary
Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care.
Colorful
Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors.
Piscivorous
Piscivorous organisms are animals that primarily subsist on a diet of fish.
Diurnal
Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night.
Freshwater
Freshwater habitats include non-saline aquatic environments such as rivers, lakes, ponds, and wetlands, vital for numerous species.
Keystone Species
Describes a species whose presence and role have a disproportionately large effect on its environment.
Endangered
Endangered status indicates a species is at a very high risk of extinction in the wild in the near future.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Always watch turtles from a distance and never try to pick them up without asking an adult.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is Ouachita Map Turtle?
10-25 cm
How much does Ouachita Map Turtle weigh?
0.2-1.5 kg
How long does Ouachita Map Turtle live?
15-25 years
How fast can Ouachita Map Turtle move?
1 km/h
What does Ouachita Map Turtle eat?
These turtles primarily munch on plants and insects, but also enjoy snails and small fish!
How fast can Ouachita Map Turtle swim?
4 km/h
Where is Ouachita Map Turtle usually found?
Freshwater rivers and lakes
How does Ouachita Map Turtle hunt?
Foraging
Snap Map
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Recent Snaps
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