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The Nonindigenous Occurrences section of the NAS species profiles has a new structure. The section is now dynamically updated from the NAS database to ensure that it contains the most current and accurate information. Occurrences are summarized in Table 1, alphabetically by state, with years of earliest and most recent observations, and the tally and names of drainages where the species was observed. The table contains hyperlinks to collections tables of specimens based on the states, years, and drainages selected. References to specimens that were not obtained through sighting reports and personal communications are found through the hyperlink in the Table 1 caption or through the individual specimens linked in the collections tables.




Graptemys geographica
Graptemys geographica
(Northern Map Turtle)
Reptiles-Turtles
Native Transplant

Copyright Info
Graptemys geographica (LeSueur, 1817)

Common name: Northern Map Turtle

Taxonomy: available through www.itis.govITIS logo

Identification: As the name implies, the Northern Map Turtle exhibits a yellow map or maze-like pattern on the otherwise olive to black carapace, limbs, and tail (Ernst et al., 1994; Conant and Collins, 1998). It displays a yellowish spot behind the eye, which is smaller than the eye spot seen on the False Map Turtle (Graptemys pseudogeographica) (Conant and Collins, 1998). The carapace exhibits a very shallow arch, low middorsal spines, and serrations along the posterior margin (Ernst et al., 1994; Conant and Collins, 1998).

Size: Carapace length: females - 18 to 27 cm and males - 9 to 16 cm

Native Range: G. geographica occurs in the central United States including Minnesota, Michigan, Iowa, Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Tennessee, Kentucky, Indiana, and Ohio east to Virginia, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, New York, New Hampshire, and Quebec and south to Georgia, Alabama, and Mississippi. Isolated populations occur in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and New York including the Susquehanna River system of Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Delaware (Ernst et al., 1994; Conant and Collins, 1998).
Hydrologic Unit Codes (HUCs) Explained
Interactive maps: Point Distribution Maps

Nonindigenous Occurrences:

Table 1. States with nonindigenous occurrences, the earliest and latest observations in each state, and the tally and names of HUCs with observations†. Names and dates are hyperlinked to their relevant specimen records. The list of references for all nonindigenous occurrences of Graptemys geographica are found here.

StateFirst ObservedLast ObservedTotal HUCs with observations†HUCs with observations†
MA195019501Charles

Table last updated 10/8/2024

† Populations may not be currently present.


Means of Introduction: The turtle was probably an escaped or released pet (Cardoza et al., 1993).

Status: Not established. Because just one specimen was collected, Cardoza et al. (1993) infer that no breeding population exists.

Impact of Introduction: No impact was documented. An established population could impact aquatic invertebrates like crayfish, insects, snails, and clams which make-up the bulk of the G. geopgraphica diet (Ernst et al., 1994).

Remarks: Scientific and standard English names follow Crother (2008).

References: (click for full references)

Cardoza, J. E., G. S. Jones, T. W. French, and D. B. Halliwell. 1993. Exotic and Translocated Vertebrates of Massachusetts. Fauna of Massachusetts Series 6. Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife, Westborough, Massachusetts. 106 pp.

Conant, R., and J. T. Collins. 1998. A Field Guide to Reptiles & Amphibians. Eastern and Central North America. Third Edition, Expanded. Houghton Mifflin Company, Boston. 616 pp.

Crother, B.I. (chair). Committee on Standard and English and Scientific Names. 2008. Scientific and standard English names of amphibians and reptiles of North America north of Mexico, with comments regarding confidence in our understanding. Society for the Study of Amphibians and  Reptiles Herpetological Circular. No. 37. iii + 86p.

Ernst, C. H., J. E. Lovich, and R. W. Barbour. 1994. Turtles of the United States and Canada. Smithsonian Institution Press, Washington and London. 578 pp.

Author: McKercher, E.

Revision Date: 1/16/2003

Citation Information:
McKercher, E., 2024, Graptemys geographica (LeSueur, 1817): U.S. Geological Survey, Nonindigenous Aquatic Species Database, Gainesville, FL, https://nas.er.usgs.gov/queries/FactSheet.aspx?SpeciesID=1240, Revision Date: 1/16/2003, Access Date: 10/8/2024

This information is preliminary or provisional and is subject to revision. It is being provided to meet the need for timely best science. The information has not received final approval by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and is provided on the condition that neither the USGS nor the U.S. Government shall be held liable for any damages resulting from the authorized or unauthorized use of the information.

Disclaimer:

The data represented on this site vary in accuracy, scale, completeness, extent of coverage and origin. It is the user's responsibility to use these data consistent with their intended purpose and within stated limitations. We highly recommend reviewing metadata files prior to interpreting these data.

Citation information: U.S. Geological Survey. [2024]. Nonindigenous Aquatic Species Database. Gainesville, Florida. Accessed [10/8/2024].

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