| Range: |
Southeastern Canada, southward across central United States; also occurs in Pennsylvania, Maryland, and New Jersey |
| Habitat: |
Slow moving rivers, lakes, and ponds |
| Conservation Status: |
Not Listed by IUCN |
| Scientific Name: |
Graptemys geographica |
These turtles are named for the yellow “map” or maze-like pattern on their body. Map turtles live in slow-moving fresh water, like rivers, lakes, creeks, ponds. They can often be seen basking on logs and rocks. But at the least disturbance, they dive into the water. Their most common foods are snails, clams and crayfish. Female map turtles, which are much larger than the males, are able to crush this prey in their strong jaws. The narrower-headed males have to eat smaller mollusks and insects.
|
