Barbour's map turtle facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Barbour's map turtle |
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| Graptemys barbouri, hatchling | |
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Graptemys
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| Species: |
barbouri
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The Barbour's map turtle (Graptemys barbouri) is a special kind of turtle. It belongs to the family called Emydidae. This turtle lives only in the southeastern United States. It is known for its unique look and where it makes its home.
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Where Do Barbour's Map Turtles Live?
These turtles are found in rivers in a few specific places. You can find them in southeastern Alabama and the western part of Florida. They also live in southwestern Georgia. They prefer rivers with clear water and plenty of places to hide.
What's in a Name?
The scientific name for this turtle is Graptemys barbouri. The second part of its name, barbouri, is a way to honor someone. It was named after an American herpetologist (a scientist who studies reptiles and amphibians) named Thomas Barbour.
Rules for Owning Barbour's Map Turtles
It's important to know that owning Barbour's map turtles is not allowed everywhere. For example, it is illegal to own them in Georgia, Michigan, and Alabama. In Florida, you can only own two of these turtles per person.
Like all map turtles, they are protected by a rule called the "Four-inch Regulation." This rule means that these turtles cannot be sold if they are smaller than 4 inches (about 10 cm) long. This helps protect young turtles.
How to Spot a Barbour's Map Turtle
Barbour's map turtles have some interesting features.
- Size Differences: Male turtles are usually smaller than females. Males are about 3.5 to 5.5 inches (9–14 cm) long. Females can grow much larger, from 6 to 12.5 inches (15–32 cm) long.
- Big Heads: Female turtles can have very large heads compared to their bodies.
- Spines: These turtles have black-tipped spines on their shells. These spines are on the second, third, and fourth parts of their upper shell (called the carapace). In males, these spines are very easy to see and look a bit like a dorsal fin on a fish.
What Do Barbour's Map Turtles Eat?
Barbour's map turtles are mostly carnivores, meaning they eat other animals. They like to eat things they find in rivers. Their main foods include:
See also
In Spanish: Tortuga mapa de Barbour para niños
