The Northern Map Turtle (Graptemys geographica), also known as the Common Map Turtle, is a fascinating freshwater turtle species native to North America. These turtles get their name from the intricate map-like patterns on their shells, which resemble geographic contours. They are typically found in rivers, lakes, and ponds with slow-moving water and abundant aquatic vegetation. Originating from regions of the United States and parts of southern Canada, these turtles thrive in habitats with sandy or muddy bottoms and basking areas like logs or rocks.
Northern Map Turtles have a lifespan of 15 to 20 years in the wild but can live up to 30 years in captivity with proper care. Adult females are significantly larger than males, reaching sizes between 7 to 10 inches, while males generally grow to about 3.5 to 6 inches. Females also have broader, more domed shells, whereas males have narrower shells and longer tails. Their shells feature olive or brownish tones with intricate yellow or green markings that fade slightly with age. Compared to other map turtles, Northern Map Turtles have smoother shells and less prominent keel ridges.
These turtles display seasonal behaviors, including hibernation, which occurs in colder climates. They bury themselves in the mud or sand at the bottom of water bodies to survive the winter months. Their breeding season in the wild usually begins in the spring and can extend into early summer. Females lay clutches of 8 to 20 eggs in sandy or well-drained soils near water. In captivity, successful breeding requires carefully managed environmental conditions that mimic their natural habitat.
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Northern Map Turtle Care Guide
Caring for a Northern Map Turtle involves providing a clean, well-maintained aquatic habitat and monitoring its health closely. They are relatively hardy but can be prone to health problems like shell rot, respiratory infections, or vitamin deficiencies if their habitat or diet is neglected. Shell care is vital—regular cleaning and ensuring access to UVB lighting help maintain shell health.
Grooming is straightforward; turtles don’t require bathing but benefit from a clean tank with proper filtration to prevent algae buildup on their shells. They are generally shy and may take time to adjust to human interaction. However, they can become more interactive over time, especially during feeding.
Owning a Northern Map Turtle costs approximately $300 to $500 annually. The breakdown includes:
- Initial setup: $150 to $300 for a tank, filtration system, heating equipment, and UVB lighting.
- Food and supplements: $10 to $20 per month.
- Maintenance and health checks: $50 to $100 per year.
- Toys and enrichment items: $20 to $50 annually.
Popular turtle care brands like Zoo Med, Exo Terra, and Tetra offer high-quality products, including UVB bulbs, turtle food, and tank accessories. These products are widely available online through platforms like Amazon, Chewy, and specialized reptile supply stores.
Yes, Northern Map Turtles are aquatic. They prefer clear rivers and large lakes with rocky or sandy bottoms. They spend most of their lives in water but come out to bask on sunny days.
Northern Map Turtles are not nocturnal. They are diurnal, meaning they are active during the day. They feed, swim, and bask in the sunlight and rest during nighttime hours.
A balanced diet is crucial for the health of a Northern Map Turtle. These turtles are omnivorous, with females leaning more toward a carnivorous diet and males favoring herbivorous options. Feed them a mix of live food like crickets, mealworms, and feeder fish, along with fresh vegetables such as romaine lettuce, kale, and shredded carrots. Commercial turtle pellets and freeze-dried shrimp can also be part of their diet.
Feed juveniles daily, offering enough food they can consume within 10 to 15 minutes. Adults can be fed every other day. Avoid foods high in fat or phosphorus, like raw meat or iceberg lettuce, as they can harm their health. Trusted food brands include Rep-Cal, Fluker’s, and Zoo Med, all of which can be purchased online.
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Northern Map Turtle Habitat Requirements
Creating an ideal habitat for a Northern Map Turtle requires a spacious tank that accommodates their aquatic and basking needs. A tank size of at least 75 gallons is recommended for a single adult, with larger tanks (100+ gallons) for pairs or groups. The water should be clean, well-filtered, and maintained at a temperature between 72°F and 78°F. A high-quality filtration system, like those from Fluval or Penn-Plax, helps maintain water quality.
Provide a basking area with a heat lamp and UVB light to regulate their body temperature and support shell health. The basking spot should reach temperatures between 85°F and 90°F. Adding natural elements like driftwood, smooth rocks, and aquatic plants enhances the habitat and mimics their wild environment.
For those interested in breeding or keeping multiple turtles, ensure a larger tank with ample swimming and basking space. Dividers or separate basking platforms can reduce territorial disputes. Brands like Aqueon and Marineland offer durable tanks and accessories, available online or at local pet stores.
Yes, Northern Map Turtles may carry Salmonella bacteria. It can be passed to humans through handling or contact with their tank or water, so good hygiene is very important.
In most states, it is legal to own a Northern Map Turtle. However, check regulations in places like Oregon, Hawaii, or New Jersey, as rules may vary or require special permits.
Northern Map Turtles are inquisitive and enjoy exploring their environment. While they are not highly interactive, they can recognize their owners over time, especially during feeding. They are not ideal for handling, as excessive handling can stress them. Instead, you can engage with them through hand-feeding or placing toys like floating logs or turtle docks in their tank.
Turtles benefit from environmental enrichment, such as hiding spots, live plants, and varied food textures. For a multi-species habitat, compatible tank mates include small, non-aggressive fish or other turtles like Painted Turtles. Avoid mixing species with vastly different habitat or dietary needs.
Interactive toys and enrichment items from brands like Zoo Med and Fluker’s are excellent choices. These products are easily found online or at pet stores.
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Want to Buy a Northern Map Turtle? Things to Consider
When purchasing a Northern Map Turtle, look for active, alert turtles with no visible health issues, such as cloudy eyes, shell discoloration, or lethargy. Prices typically range from $20 to $50 for hatchlings and up to $150 for adults. Reputable online stores like Underground Reptiles, Backwater Reptiles, and My Turtle Store are good starting points.
In the United States, certain states like New York and California have regulations regarding turtle ownership. Always check local laws before purchasing. Internationally, Northern Map Turtles are also sold in countries like Canada, the UK, and parts of Europe. However, owning turtles is restricted in some areas, so verify the legalities in your region.
More Northern Map Turtle facts
Disclaimer - The above video was not created by PETmuch. The views expressed belong to the creator. We shared it for its potential helpfulness and informational value.
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