FALSE MAP TURTLE
Graptemys pseudogeographica pseudogeographica
Also referred to as the Sawback Turtle.
These turtles have a strongly keeled carapace with raised ridges along the midline of the shell. They may be olive-green to brown with creamy yellow markings with dark borders. Plastron is creamy white or yellow. Juveniles will have dark lines along the seams of the plastron. Legs and head are grayish-brown or nearly black with tan, yellow or creamy white stripes. Eyes are variable in color and may be white, brown, green or yellow with a dark bar crossing them.
They are found in rivers, large creeks, oxbow lakes or sloughs. Not known to be in lakes, small streams or ponds.
These bask more than other aquatic turtles and prefer areas with snags, logs and vegetation to sit on.
Often found with other species of turtles using each other to watch for potential predators.
These are shy, skittish turtles that will dive for cover very quickly.
Heavily collected in the pet trade and may be a potential invasive risk in Europe.
These turtles have a strongly keeled carapace with raised ridges along the midline of the shell. They may be olive-green to brown with creamy yellow markings with dark borders. Plastron is creamy white or yellow. Juveniles will have dark lines along the seams of the plastron. Legs and head are grayish-brown or nearly black with tan, yellow or creamy white stripes. Eyes are variable in color and may be white, brown, green or yellow with a dark bar crossing them.
They are found in rivers, large creeks, oxbow lakes or sloughs. Not known to be in lakes, small streams or ponds.
These bask more than other aquatic turtles and prefer areas with snags, logs and vegetation to sit on.
Often found with other species of turtles using each other to watch for potential predators.
These are shy, skittish turtles that will dive for cover very quickly.
Heavily collected in the pet trade and may be a potential invasive risk in Europe.
|
|
Photo by Peter Paplanus
