What is a map turtle?

Map turtle is a freshwater water turtle, located in North America. At the beginning of 2011 there were 12 recognized species of map turtles belonging to the genus Grapeptemys. Although the map turtles look very similar to other types of water turtles, they are characterized by a ridge that leads along the center of their shells; Some species of this turtle have distinctive spines or buttons that protrude from this ridge. In addition, the map turtle is recognized by thin lines similar to the map that indicates its shell and gives it a name. The average length of adult turtles is about 5 inches (12 cm) for men and women are much larger and can be up to 12 inches (30 cm). These turtles are widely distributed throughout the US in areas east of the rocky mountains and in the north as Quebec in South Canada. In the United States, they have been from Minnesota and The Dakotas via Texas and the southeastern part of the country. However, the largest concentration of map turtle members is located in Florida, Mississippi, Louisiana and Alabama.

For habitats, a turtle map prefers to be near the water and near a place where there is plenty of water vegetation. Habitat, however, depends on the species, with some preferential lakes and ponds in front of the rivers. Even the species that occupy rivers have specific preferences of habitats, some of which like slowly moving rivers and others prefer streams that have a slight to fast current. Regardless of the type of habitat, it is essential that abundant areas for heating are available, as heating is an important part of the daily activities of these turtles. Turtle maps like to avoid structures such as sand panels, capturing fallen trees and brushes surrounded by water.

Generally map tortoises more carnivorous than other turtle types. The percentage of its diet consisting of different types of food varies not only from species to species, but sometimes from women to men in a given species. Although these turtles are considerably relying on the diet of molluscs, crustaceans andsnails, it is also known to eat insects, worms and vegetation.

During the period of reproduction, women put several egg connections in well -drained places such as open areas or sandy beaches. The couplings usually range from five to 16 eggs. The eggs hatch in about 60-75 days.