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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 pseudogeographica
Graptemys pseudogeographica
(False Map Turtle)
Reptiles-Turtles
Native Transplant

Copyright Info
Graptemys pseudogeographica (Gray, 1831)

Common name: False Map Turtle

Taxonomy: available through www.itis.govITIS logo

Native Range: Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Arkansas north along the Missouri, Mississippi, and Ohio river drainages to North Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, and Indiana. Isolated populations occur in central Ohio and northern Indiana (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 pseudogeographica are found here.

StateFirst ObservedLast ObservedTotal HUCs with observations†HUCs with observations†
AZ199219971Lower Salt
CA199419941Lower Sacramento
CO195019501Upper South Platte
FL196420204Cape Canaveral; Florida Southeast Coast; Santa Fe; Southern Florida
IA197319731Middle Des Moines
MD196020101Patuxent
MS197919791Middle Pearl-Strong
NC201520182Haw; Lower Yadkin
TX201520151Lower Brazos
VA190120013Hampton Roads; Lower James; Middle Potomac-Anacostia-Occoquan
WI202220221Middle Rock

Table last updated 12/12/2024

† Populations may not be currently present.


Means of Introduction: Pet releases.

Status: Reported in Virginia.

Impact of Introduction: Negligible since the species is not established in Virginia (Mitchell, 1994; Ernst et al., 1997). Because G. pseudographica is omnivorous, eating mollusks, insects, crayfish, aquatic plants and more, an established population could influence the food web (Ernst et al., 1994).

Remarks: Habitat: Large rivers and backwaters, but also lakes, ponds and other wetlands (Ernst et al., 1994). Life History: Two to three clutches containing 2 to 22 eggs are laid from May to July. Females usually excavate nests in the morning or on overcast days on banks or beaches (Ernst et al., 1994).

Scientific and standard English names follow Crother (2008).

References: (click for full references)

Conant, R. and J. T. Collins. 1998. A field guide to reptiles and amphibians. Eastern and Central North America. Third Edition, Expanded. Houghton and Mifflin Co. Boston.

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.

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. 2009. FWC Exotics Database.

Mitchell, J. C. 1994. The reptiles of Virginia. Smithsonian Institution Press, Washingon, D. C.

Author: McKercher, E.

Revision Date: 10/21/2019

Citation Information:
McKercher, E., 2024, Graptemys pseudogeographica (Gray, 1831): U.S. Geological Survey, Nonindigenous Aquatic Species Database, Gainesville, FL, https://nas.er.usgs.gov/queries/FactSheet.aspx?speciesID=1243, Revision Date: 10/21/2019, Access Date: 12/12/2024

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 [12/12/2024].

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