Reptiles
False Map Turtle
Graptemys pseudogeographica · also called false map turtles
A group of false map turtles suns itself on a half-submerged log in a Mississippi River backwater, each one showing the bold yellow crescent behind the eye that separates this species from the very turtle its slightly odd common name was coined to distinguish it from.
Overview
The false map turtle, Graptemys pseudogeographica, is a freshwater turtle native to rivers, lakes, and wetland habitat across a broad range of the central United States, particularly within the Mississippi River drainage. Its distinctive yellow eye crescent, saw-toothed shell ridge, and name derived from its resemblance to a different map turtle species make it a genuinely well-marked and identification-friendly member of its genus.
A name born from mistaken identity
Close enough in appearance to the common map turtle to cause real historical confusion, the false map turtle carries a name that directly reflects the case of mistaken identity that first separated the two species in the eyes of naturalists.
Status
Least Concern — widespread and common across suitable river and wetland habitat throughout the central United States.
False Map Turtle: common questions
Why is it called the false map turtle?
This species was named for its close resemblance to the common map turtle, similar enough in overall shell shape and pattern that the two were historically confused, and the name "false" reflects that this species merely looks like the more familiar map turtle rather than being the same species.
How can you identify a false map turtle?
Look for a distinctive yellow crescent-shaped marking behind each eye, combined with a low, saw-toothed ridge running down the centre of the shell, features that together separate this species from other similarly patterned map turtle relatives.
Why do female false map turtles have bigger heads than males?
A female false map turtle grows a proportionally larger head than a male, an adaptation that lets her crush harder, larger prey items such as snails and clams, while the smaller-headed male generally feeds on softer, smaller invertebrates and plant material.
Where does the false map turtle live?
This species is native to rivers, lakes, and wetland habitat across a broad range of the central United States, particularly within the Mississippi River drainage, where it is frequently seen basking in groups on logs and other objects protruding from the water.