Ouachita map turtle facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Ouachita map turtle
A hatchling Graptemys ouachitensis in an aquarium
Conservation status
Least Concern (IUCN 3.1)
Scientific classification
Genus:	Graptemys
Species:	ouachitensis

The Ouachita map turtle (Graptemys ouachitensis) is a type of turtle that belongs to the family Emydidae. These turtles are known for the unique patterns on their shells and heads, which sometimes look like maps.

What Are Subspecies?

Sometimes, animals that are very similar are grouped together as a main species. But within that species, there can be slightly different groups called subspecies. These groups might have small differences in how they look or where they live.

For the Ouachita map turtle, there are two main subspecies:

• Graptemys ouachitensis ouachitensis
• Graptemys ouachitensis sabinensis

Scientists sometimes change their minds about whether a subspecies is different enough to be its own full species. For example, the Sabine map turtle (Graptemys ouachitensis sabinensis) is now often seen as its own species, called Graptemys sabinensis.

Where Do They Live?

The Ouachita map turtle is found only in the United States. This means it is endemic to the U.S. You can find these turtles in many states, including Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Oklahoma, Kansas, Arkansas, Missouri, Iowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Indiana, Ohio, West Virginia, Illinois, Tennessee, and Kentucky.

What Do They Look Like?

The Ouachita map turtle has a shell on its back called a carapace. This shell has a low ridge down the middle and is a bit bumpy or "serrated" at the back edge. The carapace can be olive green, dark brown, or black. It often has light yellowish marks with dark borders.

The bottom shell, called the plastron, is usually cream or yellow. It often has cool dark lines and swirls. The turtle's body is grayish-brown to black, with yellowish stripes.

On its head, the Ouachita map turtle has bright yellow spots. There's a rectangular spot behind each eye, an oval spot under each eye, and a round spot on each side of its jaw. Sometimes, the spots behind and under the eye can join together to form a thick "C" shape. Their eyes also have a black stripe right in the middle.

Size Differences

Male and female Ouachita map turtles are very different in size. Males are much smaller. They can grow to about 5 inches (12 cm) long on their shell. Females are much larger, growing up to 10 inches (25 cm) long!

What Do They Eat?

Ouachita map turtles mainly eat small aquatic creatures. Their diet includes things like shrimp, insects, molluscs (like snails), and small fish. They also munch on algae and other aquatic plants.

Ouachita Map Turtles as Pets

Because they are not too big, Ouachita map turtles are popular pets for people who keep turtles. They can often live happily with other turtle species.

If you have one as a pet, you can feed them special turtle pellets and dried shrimp. It's important to remember that these turtles need a warm environment and special UVB light. This light helps them stay healthy and grow strong shells.

Gallery

• 

  Juvenile Graptemys ouachitensis. Close-up

• 

  A specimen from Missouri

• 

  Range map of the Ouachita map turtle

• 

  Sabine map turtle (Graptemys sabinensis) Orange Co. Texas.