Northern Map Turtle Graptemys geographica

Identification
This turtle has a patterned shell resembling contour lines on a map. Females are significantly larger than males.

Location
Common in northern Ohio

Size
6 to 10 inches

Diet
It feeds mainly on mollusks and aquatic insects.

Habitat
It occurs in northern Ohio rivers and lakes.

Activity Period
April to October

Behavior
It is highly aquatic and prefers large bodies of water with abundant basking sites. It is most active in warm months.

Lifecycle
Breeding occurs in spring and females lay eggs in early summer.

Population
The population is stable in high quality habitats.

History
It has long been present in Lake Erie drainage systems.

Human Interactions
It is shy and drops quickly from basking sites.

Facts
It is named for the map like pattern on its shell.

Sources
ODNR academic sources

Mollusks insects small aquatic animals | Large rivers lakes reservoirs | Northern Ohio