Ouachita map turtle

Ouachita Map Turtle
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Sauropsida
Order:	Testudines
Suborder:	Cryptodira
Family:	Emydidae
Subfamily:	Deirochelyinae
Genus:	Graptemys
Species:	G. ouachitensis
Binomial name
Graptemys ouachitensis Cagle, 1953
Subspecies
G. o. ouachitensis Cagle, 1953 – Ouachita Map Turtle G. o. sabinensis Cagle, 1953 – Sabine Map Turtle[1]

The Ouachita Map Turtle or Sabine Map Turtle (Graptemys ouachitensis) is a species of turtle found in the United States. This species’ carapace features a row of low spines, and is serrated on the rim. The carapace is olive, dark brown, or black in coloration with light yellowish markings with dark borders. The plastron color varies from cream to yellow and is patterned with dark lines and swirls. The body color of the False Map Turtle is grayish brown to blackish and is marked with yellowish stripes. The males can grow to be as large as 5 inches. The females can grow to be up to 10 inches.

Diet

Ouachita Map Turtles feed mainly on small aquatic species such as Shrimp, Insects, Mollusks and fish. They also consume Algae and aquatic plants.

Pet Trade

Due to their small size Ouachita Map Turtles are common amongst turtle keepers. They can be kept with most other species and can be raised on specialty pellets and dried shrimp. Although they need Heat and UVB they can generally be kept in average sized aquariums.

References

1. ^ Graptemys ouachitensis, Reptile Database

Austins Turtle Page