Black-knobbed map turtle facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Black-knobbed map turtle |
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| Black-knobbed map turtle hatchlings | |
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
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Emydidae
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| Subfamily: |
Deirochelyinae
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| Genus: |
Graptemys
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| Species: |
G. nigrinoda
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| Binomial name | |
| Graptemys nigrinoda Cagle, 1954
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The black-knobbed map turtle (Graptemys nigrinoda) is a type of aquatic turtle. This means it lives in water. These turtles have light gray skin. They also have small spikes or "knobs" on their shells.
They belong to a group of turtles called the Graptemys genus. They were once known as the black-knobbed sawback turtle. You can find them living in rivers. Their home is mainly around the Mobile Bay area in Alabama and Mississippi.
Contents
What Do Black-Knobbed Map Turtles Look Like?
These turtles are known for their unique shells. The shell has small, dark bumps or "knobs." This is how they get their name. Their skin is usually a light gray color.
Like all map turtles, they have special patterns on their shells. These patterns often look like maps or lines. This helps them blend in with their surroundings.
Where Do Black-Knobbed Map Turtles Live?
Black-knobbed map turtles are found in the southeastern United States. They prefer living in rivers. Specifically, they live in the Mobile Bay drainage system. This includes parts of Alabama and Mississippi.
They like rivers with clear water. They also need places to bask in the sun. Logs and rocks sticking out of the water are perfect spots for them.
What Do Black-Knobbed Map Turtles Eat?
These turtles are mostly carnivores. This means they eat other animals. Their diet mainly consists of insects and snails. They also eat other small water creatures.
They use their strong jaws to crush the shells of snails. This helps them get to the soft parts inside. Young turtles might eat more insects.
How Do Black-Knobbed Map Turtles Reproduce?
Female black-knobbed map turtles lay their eggs on land. They dig nests in sandy or soft soil. The eggs are usually laid in the spring or early summer.
After about two to three months, the baby turtles hatch. These tiny hatchlings are very small. They quickly make their way to the water.
Conservation Status
The black-knobbed map turtle is considered a species of concern. This means their numbers are being watched. They face threats like habitat loss. Pollution in their rivers can also harm them.
Protecting their river homes is important. This helps make sure these unique turtles can survive. Efforts are made to keep their habitats clean and safe.
