Mississippi Map Turtle (Graptemys Pseudogeographica Kohni)
Conservation status
IUCN: Red List: Least Concern
Key Descriptions
Medium sized semi aquatic freshwater turtles most prominent for the linings on their carapace which resemble the contour lines of a map, the Mississippi Map turtle are native to North America & widely spotted in the Mississippi River. Another distinguishing feature is their keeled, serrated carapace which smoothens out as the turtle ages.
Habitat
They are largely distributed along the Mississippi River Valley ranging from Southwest Iowa & Central Illinois to the Gulf of Mexico. These turtles prefer water locales lush with aquatic vegetation & low currents.
Social Life
These turtles are skittish & shy, who will bolt at the first sign of danger. In the wilderness, they have been observed to bask on rocks & logs, sometimes even piling on each other in a bid to absorb the sun’s rays. Juveniles are largely carnivorous to supplement their growing needs & protein requirements.
Fun Facts
- The Mississippi map turtle derives its common name not from the state of Mississippi, but rather from the Mississippi River. The specific name, kohni, is in honor of amateur naturalist Joseph Gustave Kohn (1837–1906) of New Orleans, Louisiana, who collected the type specimen
- Mississippi maps, and map turtles in general, are extremely skittish, though individual exceptions do exist. They love to swim and bask in the sun but prefer to be close enough to the water to escape at a moment’s notice. Maps are friendly, community animals, though females will tend to be more dominant and should be limited in number when keeping multiples.
- The Mississippi map turtle is a popular pet for aquarists and is very enjoyable to watch.
Diet
Vegetables, Fish, & other small aquatic animals
Key Information
| Origin: | North America |
| Size: | Up to 25cm |
| Weight: | Up to 2kg |
| Lifespan: | Up to 30years |