Graptemys ouachitensis Ouachita map turtle

Taxonomy

• Kingdom: Animalia
• Phylum: Chordata
• Class: Reptilia
• Order: Testudines
• Family: Emydidae
• Genus: Graptemys
• Species: Graptemys ouachitensis

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Common Names by Region

• United States: Ouachita map turtle, Ouachita turtle
• Local Names (Midwestern US): “Sawback turtle” (due to shell keels)
• Scientific Synonyms:
  • Graptemys pseudogeographica ouachitensis (formerly considered a subspecies)

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Description

• General Appearance: Medium-sized freshwater turtle with distinctively serrated or keeled carapace. Features light yellowish markings behind the eyes and on limbs, giving a “map-like” appearance.
• Size:
  • Males: 3.5 to 5 inches (9–13 cm)
  • Females: 8 to 10 inches (20–25 cm), significantly larger than males
• Coloration: Olive to dark green carapace with yellow contour lines; plastron typically light yellow, often with darker pigment along seams.
• Distinctive Features:
  • Postorbital blotch often connects to neck stripe
  • Central keel on carapace forms prominent “sawback” ridge
  • Sexual dimorphism (females much larger)

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Known Range

• Native Range:
  • Central United States: Mississippi River drainage basin
  • States: Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, Missouri, Arkansas, Mississippi, Louisiana, Texas
• Preferred Habitat:
  • Medium to large rivers with moderate to swift current
  • Basking areas: Fallen logs, branches, or rocks
  • Often found in oxbow lakes and river backwaters

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Care Requirements (for captive or educational settings)

• Light: Full-spectrum UVB lighting required for shell and metabolic health
• Watering: Clean, flowing or filtered water system with stable temperature
• Substrate: Smooth aquatic substrate or bare bottom with dry basking area
• Humidity: Not critical in aquatic setups, but maintain basking dryness
• Temperature:
  • Water: 72–78°F (22–26°C)
  • Basking area: 85–90°F (29–32°C)
• Diet:
  • Omnivorous with a preference for aquatic invertebrates (insects, snails, crayfish)
  • Also consumes aquatic vegetation and algae
• Propagation:
  • Oviparous; females lay clutches of 5–15 eggs in sandy or soft soil near water
  • Breeding season: Spring through early summer
• Common Health Concerns:
  • Shell rot and fungal infections if basking area is inadequate
  • Vitamin A deficiency without proper diet or lighting

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Additional Notes

• Special Features:
  • Named after the Ouachita River
  • Highly aquatic and shy; rarely found basking when disturbed frequently
  • Plays an important ecological role in controlling aquatic insect and invertebrate populations
• Conservation Status:
  • Not federally listed, but populations are impacted by habitat alteration and pollution
  • Protected or regulated in some states; collection often restricted
• Maintenance Level:
  • Moderate to High in captivity due to space and water requirements
  • Not recommended for beginner turtle keepers