Fast facts
Common name: Map Turtle(various species)
Scientific name: Graptemys geographica, G ouachitensis, and related species
Range in MA: Greater Boston area, Lowell, Worcester, Connecticut River Valley
Similar looking species: Painted turtle
Identification tip: thin yellow/orange lines all over their bodies with a yellow oval behind their eyes.
Description
Map turtles are named after the light line markings on their carapace that resemble a map. These lines are harder to see on older map turtles because they darken over time. They vary in length with females measuring as long as 10 ½ inches!
How they ended up in MA
Northern map turtles inhabit Quebec and Vermont in the St. Lawrence drainage as well as the Great Lakes and Mississippi River drainage. Other species are found in the upper Mississippi River - but none are native to Massachusetts. It is unclear how they ended up in Massachusetts, but many turtle species become invasive due to being in the pet trade. Often pet owners will release their turtles when they do not want or cannot take care of their pet anymore. Animals released into the wild have the potential of transmitting exotic diseases to native species. If specimens of this (or any other non-native turtle) are encountered, please report them to the Division of Fisheries & Wildlife’s Field Headquarters or any District office of the agency. Never release any non-native species into the wild.
Why are they a problem?
While they are not native to Massachusetts, more research needs to be done to determine if they are a threat to native species. Map turtles prefer to live in ponds, river-bottoms, and lakes with an abundance of aquatic vegetation. Females will produce multiple clutches of 6 to 20 eggs in a single breeding season. They are omnivores and will eat snails, clams, and crayfish.