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Common Map Turtle
Graptemys geographica
Description
A river turtle whose olive shell is etched with fine, maplike yellow lines. Widespread in Indiana's larger waterways, where broad-jawed females crack snails and clams.
Stats
Size
Carapace measures 3 - 10 inches
Status
Common
Similar Species
False Map and Ouachita Map turtles, which have larger, differently shaped markings behind the eye.
Diet
Snails, clams, crayfish, and aquatic insects; large females crush mollusks.
Habitat
Larger rivers, lakes, and reservoirs with abundant basking logs.
Reproduction
Nests in early summer, laying 6-20 eggs in sandy soil near water. Hatchlings emerge in late summer or overwinter in the nest.
Common Map Turtle
Common Map Turtle
Graptemys geographica
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