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False
Map (Saw Back) Turtle
(Graptemys pseudogeographica sp.)
by Stuart Dodsworth
Distribution
There are currently two sub species of False Map Turtle. These
are the False Map Turtle (Graptemys pseudogeographica pseudogeographica)
and the Mississippi Map Turtle (Graptemys pseudogeographica kohni).
The Mississippi Map Turtle was only reclassified as a subspecies
of the False Map turtle in 2000, it was formerly known as Graptemys
kohni. This is still a controversial subspecies and many still
say it should be returned to being a full species. The main habitat
of the False Map Turtle is in large streams feeding into the Mississippi
and Missouri rivers. They are mainly found in parts of the river
system, which are rich in aquatic plant life.
Size
Male False Map Turtles usually reach sizes of between 7.5cm and
10cm (3 and 4 inches). Whereas the females usually reach almost
double this size 10 to 19cm (4 to 7½ inches). Specimens
larger than this do occasionally occur.
Diet
Adult Map Turtles are perfectly designed for crushing shellfish.
The diet of the False Map Turtle depends on the age and the subspecies
you own. Youngsters will eat small snails, drowning insects and
mollusks. Where as adults will become more omnivorous and feed
on the tender shoots of aquatic plants, roots, insect larvae and
mollusks.
Captive Map Turtles can be fed a large variety of foods; including,
cockles, baby African land snails, pieces of fish (freshwater
is better), garden snails, Salmon, trout, earthworms, flies, spiders,
crayfish, crabsticks, crickets, mealworms, wax worms, pinkies,
egg shells, Canadian pond weed, broad leaf water cress, etc. To
aid maintain a clean environment they can be fed in a separate
feeding bowl and left for twenty minutes after feeding has been
completed.
Requirements
Heat Source: - For the water, a thermostatically controlled water
heater will be required. For the basking area, a guarded and thermostatically
controlled reflector (spot lamp) will be required.
UV Light Source: - Map Turtles require a Reptisun 5.0 light. This
should be left on for 12 to 14 hours a day and positioned no more
than 30cm away from the basking turtle to ensure optimum exposure.
This should be replaced every 6 months unless otherwise stated
by the manufacturer.
Filtration: -You would be well advised to buy either a large internal
filter or an external filter to help cope with the mess created
by such creatures. The fluval filters are one of the better varieties.
Land areas: - Two land areas should be available to your turtles.
One area should be for basking and have a heat source above it.
The other area should be away from the heat source, to allow the
turtle to regulate its body temperature. Underwater hides can
be built under the land areas. The land area near the basking
light should ideally have a sand/soil mix 30cm deep if female
turtles are being maintained in order to facilitate egg laying.
Housing - For two adult Map Turtles a 120cm to 150cm (4-5 feet)
tank would be sufficient. An indoor pond can also be a useful
style of enclosure. Ensure a soft substrate such as sand is in
the bottom of the water as they have been known to leap into the
water so rapidly when disturbed that they kill themselves on the
hard glas at the bottom of the tank.
Water
Map Turtles are extremely sensitive of water quality, so it is
important to monitor ammonia and pH levels. An aquarium water
testing kit is useful for this species.
Temperature
A basking area of 30C (86F) is required; this should be turned
off on a night time. The water must be maintained at between 26
and 28C (78.8 and 82.4F).
Breeding
If you choose to breed your Map Turtles, then the females usually
lay between 3 and 18 eggs. In 60 to 75 days the eggs will hatch
if they are fertile. The eggs should be incubated at between 26
and 32C (78.8 and 91.4F). The temperature during incubation will
influence the percentage of each sex, with more females hatching
at the higher temperatures.
Longevity
False Map Turtles usually live for more than 15 years in captivity,
although ages of 35 to 40 years are not uncommon.
NB
- photograph taken by Stuart Dodsworth of The Reptile Trust.
Maps are available on the websites below of this turtles distribution,
Recommended
Reading/Useful Contacts
Stuart
Dodsworth - stuartandlynette@dodsworth2005.wanadoo.co.uk
The International Herpetological Society - www.international-herp-society.co.uk
The British Herpetological Society - www.thebhs.org
Taxonomy Information - http://srs.embl-heidelberg.de:8000/srs5bin/cgi-bin/wgetz?-e+[REPTILIA-Species:'Graptemys_SP_pseudogeographica']
Tortoise Trust - www.tortoisetrust.org
BCG - British Chelonia Group - http://www.britishcheloniagroup.org.uk/
http://el.erdc.usace.army.mil/emrrp/turtles/species/false.html
http://herpcenter.ipfw.edu/index.htm?http://herpcenter.ipfw.edu/outreach/accounts/reptiles/turtles/Mississippi_Map_Turtle/&2
- Map present on this page for G. p. kohni
http://herpcenter.ipfw.edu/index.htm?http://herpcenter.ipfw.edu/outreach/accounts/reptiles/turtles/False_Map_Turtle/&2
- map present on this page for G. p. pseudogeographica
http://www.unc.edu/~dtkirkpa/stuff/maps.html
http://www.sdgfp.info/Wildlife/Diversity/Digest%20Articles/false_map.htm
http://www.austinsturtlepage.com/Care/cs-falmap.htm
http://yahooligans.yahoo.com/content/animals/species/4552.html
www.reptilekeeper.co.uk
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