Ringed map turtle facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Ringed map turtle
Conservation status
Vulnerable (IUCN 3.1)
Scientific classification
Genus:	Graptemys
Species:	oculifera
Range map
Synonyms
Malacoclemmys oculifera Baur, 1890 Graptemys oculifera — Baur, 1893 Malaclemys lesueurii oculifera — Siebenrock, 1909 Graptemys pseudogeographica oculifera — Stejneger & Barbour, 1917 Graptemys oculifera oculifera — Mertens & Wermuth, 1955 Malaclemys oculifera — McDowell, 1964 Malaclemys oculifer — Cochran & Goin, 1970 Graptemys ocalifera Nutaphand, 1979 (ex errore) Graptemys oculifera — H.M. Smith & Brodie, 1982

The ringed map turtle (Graptemys oculifera), also called the ringed sawback, is a type of turtle. It belongs to the Emydidae family, which includes many freshwater turtles. This turtle is special because it is endemic to the southern United States. This means it is found naturally only in this part of the world.

Where Ringed Map Turtles Live

These turtles mainly live in the Pearl River system. This river flows through both Louisiana and Mississippi. They often share their home with another similar turtle, the Pearl River map turtle (G. pearlensis).

A ringed map turtle resting on a log.

What Ringed Map Turtles Look Like

Ringed map turtles have a unique look. Their shell, called a carapace, has light-colored rings. These rings are thicker than those found on a similar turtle, the Black-knobbed map turtle (Graptemys nigrinoda).

• Males are smaller than females. They can grow to about 10 centimeters (4 inches) long.
• Females are much larger. They can reach a carapace length of about 22 centimeters (8.5 inches).

Map showing where the ringed map turtle lives.