Identification, Distribution, and Ecology:
Named for their appearance, Common Map Turtles possess a pattern on their carapace that resembles an intricate pattern of waterways. This pattern consists of yellow or orange lines with dark borders. Adult female map turtles are larger than males and have a broader head. Males however possess longer tails. Maps are distributed over much of the Midwest. In the Midwest, the species survives in all eight states. Maps typically live in large creeks with slow to moderate currents. They’re also found in lakes, rivers, reservoirs, sloughs, marshes, and bays. Feeding only occurs while they’re in the water but they are often observed basking in large groups on logs.
