ODNR Division of Wildlife - A to Z Species Guide - Ouachita Map Turtle

 Ouachita Map Turtle

Ouachita map turtle
Several specimens of the Ouachita map turtle have been taken in southern Ohio--in the Scioto River and associated oxbows. It is not certain if the species occurs naturally in Ohio, or if these individuals originally were captive. The uncertainty occurs because Ohio is on the eastern border of map turtle range, and many map turtles have been sold in the state for pets. The capture dates of some specimens argue for a naturally occurring population, but in any case this turtle is rare.
 

Ouachita Map Turtle
Graptemys ouachitensis

At-a-Glance

• Peak Breeding Activity: spring and fall

• Clutch Size: 12-22 eggs

• Typical Foods: aquatic invertebrates, vegetation, and fish

• Ohio Status: Species of Concern 
Description
The shell is olive-green or brown with yellow oval markings. A distinct keel with blunt, black spines runs down the middle of the shell. There is a patch of yellow behind the eye.

Habitat and Habits
Ouachita map turtles inhabit swift rivers, lakes, and swamps. They prefer sandy or silty bottoms.

Reproduction and Care of the Young
The reproductive biology of turtles is fascinating. With the exception of softshell turtles, the sex of all species of Ohio turtles is dependent on the temperature at which the eggs develop. For instance, snapping turtle eggs that develop at about 77oF will all hatch out as males, while eggs that develop at much higher or lower temperatures will all hatch out as females. In the wild, warmer eggs at the top of a nest may all hatch out as females, while cooler eggs at the bottom hatch out as males.