Escambia map turtle facts for kids
The Escambia map turtle (Graptemys ernsti) is a special kind of turtle. It is also known as Ernst's map turtle. This turtle lives only in the United States. It is part of the Emydidae family of turtles.
Quick facts for kids Escambia map turtle |
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| Graptemys ernsti | |
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Graptemys
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| Species: |
ernsti
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Contents
Where Do Escambia Map Turtles Live?
The Escambia map turtle is found in the southern part of Alabama. It also lives in western Florida. These turtles live in rivers that flow into Escambia Bay.
What Kind of Home Do They Like?
Escambia map turtles prefer to live in fresh water. They like medium to large creeks and rivers. These waterways must have a good flow of water.
Why Is It Called Ernst's Map Turtle?
The scientific name for this turtle is ernsti. This name honors an American scientist named Dr. Carl Henry Ernst. He was a herpetologist, which means he studied reptiles and amphibians.
How Big Do Escambia Map Turtles Get?
Female Escambia map turtles are much larger than males. A female can grow up to 28.5 cm (11.2 in) long. This measurement is taken along the top shell, called the carapace. Males are smaller, growing only to about 13 cm (5.1 in) long.
What Do Escambia Map Turtles Eat?
What these turtles eat changes as they grow. It also depends on if they are male or female.
- Young turtles and males mostly eat insects.
- Females eat mostly snails and clams. This includes a type of clam called Corbicula fluminea, which is not native to the area.
How Do Escambia Map Turtles Reproduce?
Male Escambia map turtles become ready to have babies when they are 3 to 4 years old. Females take much longer. They are not ready to reproduce until they are 14 to 19 years old. Each female lays eggs about 4 times a year. On average, each time she lays eggs, there are 7 eggs in the clutch.
