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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.

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Common name: Northern Map Turtle

Taxonomy: available through www.itis.gov

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).

Alaska	Hawaii	Puerto Rico & Virgin Islands	Guam Saipan

Hydrologic Unit Codes (HUCs) Explained
Interactive maps: Point Distribution Maps

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.

Other Resources:
Reptiles and Amphibians of Minnesota Common Map Turtle

Iowa Herpetology Common Map Turtle

Author: McKercher, E.

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.