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Graptemys geographica
The northern map turtle gets both its common and scientific names from the marking on the skin and carapace. The light markings resemble contour lines on a map or chart. The lines on the carapace are shades of yellow, tan, or orange and are surrounded by dark borders. The rest of the carapace is olive or greyish brown. The carapace markings on older individuals tend to fade but are usually still apparent when the shell is wet. The carapace has a hydrodynamic appearance and is broad with a moderately low keel. The rear of the carapace is flared and the rear marginals form serrations.
The northern map turtle inhabits ponds, rivers and lakes. They prefer large bodies of water and areas with fallen trees and other debris for basking. These turtles are more often found in rivers than in lakes or ponds. They are found in larger rivers and lakes in the northern portion of their range but are more likely to live in smaller rocky rivers and streams in the south and west.
They feed on mollusks- including Zebra Mussels!
Spotted on Jul 9, 2011
Submitted on Jul 9, 2011
7 Comments
Yep - I just read all that so I concur. We observed this turtle for a day and then released.
There's a lot of variation in older turtles, especially if she's getting ready to shed her scutes (scales on the shell). The large head and slightly keeled shell are the distinguishing features for me.
Thanks Mitch - I can live with that ID. Do the females not have as much "mapping" - it was there but very faint
Looks like a female Northern Map Turtle, Graptemys geographica, to me.
I thought painted as well but couldn't find any red on it. Painted turtles are Michigan's reptile so I think they are abundant. These turtles are everywhere laying eggs (a month late). So can a painted turtle have no red markings?
I would guess in the Painted Turtle family.
Turtle with tightly shut mouth, "I'm not going to tell you anything!"