Species / Testudines taxon
Northern Map Turtle
Graptemys geographica
Northern map turtle, also called common map turtle; widespread in eastern North America.
Lineage: Turtles and Tortoises (TESTUDINES) > Cryptodira (CRYPTODIRA) > Durocryptodira (DUROCRYPTODIRA) > Testudinoid Turtles Superfamily (TESTUDINOIDEA) > Pond Turtles (EMYDIDAE) > Chicken Turtles and Allies Subfamily (DEIROCHELYINAE) > Map Turtles (Graptemys) > Northern Map Turtle (Graptemys geographica). This path helps place the taxon within its family, genus, or species-level context.
- Chinese Name
- 地理地图龟
- English Name
- Northern Map Turtle
- Scientific Name
- Graptemys geographica
- Rank
- Species
Plate notes
Graptemys geographica
Trivia
First described by LeSueur in 1817; type locality not specified in this excerpt; species name refers to its map-like carapace pattern.
Overview
Northern map turtle, also called common map turtle; widespread in eastern North America.
Scientific Name
Graptemys geographica
Ecological Habits
Inhabits large rivers and lakes with abundant basking sites; diet primarily mollusks, also insects and crustaceans; often seen basking in groups.
Major Threats & Conservation
Locally threatened by habitat degradation, pollution, and boat strikes; overall population stable and not considered at high risk.
Morphological Characteristics
Max SCL: male 16.0 cm, female 29.2 cm.
Natural Distribution & Conservation Status
Canada (Ontario, Québec) and USA (Alabama to Wisconsin). Estimated AOO: 726,581 sq km, EOO: 2,485,265 sq km. IUCN Least Concern; CITES Appendix III (USA).
Open the source plate
This entry is linked to plate page 164. Return to the interactive tree to inspect the high-resolution plate and full AI guide.
Open Taxonomy Tree