Ouachita map turtle


The Ouachita map turtle is a species of turtle belonging to the family Emydidae.

Subspecies

include:
  • Graptemys ouachitensis ouachitensis Cagle, 1953
  • Graptemys ouachitensis sabinensis Cagle, 1953
In recent years the Sabine map turtle has been recognized by many as a full species Sabine map turtle.

Distribution

This species is endemic to the United States. It can be found in Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Oklahoma, Kansas, Arkansas, Missouri, Iowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Indiana, Ohio, West Virginia, Illinois, Tennessee and Kentucky. G. o. sabinensis exists only in the Sabine River of Louisiana and Texas. Both G. o. ouachitensis and G. o. sabinensis are freshwater riverine turtles. The G. o. ouachitensis is rarely seen on land unless it is nesting season or it is basking.

Description

This species' carapace features a row of low vertebral spines, and is serrated on the posterior rim. The carapace is olive, dark brown, or black in coloration with light yellowish markings with dark borders. The plastron color varies from cream to yellow and is patterned with dark lines and swirls. The body color is grayish brown to blackish and is marked with yellowish stripes.
On the head, it has light yellow spots: a rectangular one behind each eye, an oval under each eye, and a round one on each side of the jaw. In some specimens, the spot behind and the spot under the eye can combine to form a single thick "C" stain. The eye has a black stripe in the middle.
Males are significantly smaller than females. The males can grow to be as large as in carapace length. The females can grow to be up to in carapace length.

Natural history

Hatchlings of this species have recently been found to make sounds prior to exiting the nest. These are mostly "clicking" noises, but more tonal "mewing" sounds are also sometimes present. These sounds are the first documented for any North American hatchling turtle.

Diet

Ouachita map turtles feed mainly on small aquatic animals such as shrimp, insects, molluscs, fish, and fish carrion. They also consume algae and aquatic plants.

Pet trade

As they are small, Ouachita map turtles are common among turtle keepers. They can be kept with most other species and can be raised on specialty pellets and dried shrimp. Although they need heat and ultraviolet light,