Map Turtles are a fascinating, colorful, and diverse class of North American Turtles, which makes them a popular subject for hobbyist and collectors. Where there are numerous articles pertaining to the care, feeding, and husbandry of Map turtles in general, in this particular Turtle-Tech article, we take a quick look at the various species/sub species and their natural ranges.  Generally speaking, to this date there are 16 recognized varieties of Map Turtles, all found within North America (United States/Canada). This includes all the various species and sub species, all belonging to the genus Graptemys. For the sake of discussion, these species are usually divided into two groups: the small headed varieties, of which there are 11 individual species/subspecies, and the broad headed varieties of which there are 5. All are freshwater species.

These 16 varieties are listed below roughly from the most western ranges in which they inhabit, to their eastern ranges. Some Map varieties ranging far north into the Great Lakes region and Southern Canada, and some south into parts of Florida. Many species have extensive ranges while others are restricted to specific river systems. The smaller headed varieties begin their perspective ranges from the western US east of the Colorado river throughout most of the Nation. While the broad headed species are only located east of the Mississippi River all the way through the southeastern states.

In addition to these well-recognized varieties, hybridizing occasionally occurs, though mostly in captive stock. The Mississippi/Ouachita hybrid is sometimes seen for example. There are also some interesting color variants that pop up on the scene occasionally.  These are mostly genetic anomalies which involve the yellow markings on the face and/or legs becoming more of an orange color, these are usually known as “high orange” variants. There are also albino and leucistic variants known in many of these species.  One interesting variant is the uncommon black eyed Mississippi Map turtle from Louisiana, who’s range is limited to only one specific river system in south Louisiana. 

It is likely with the increased availability of DNA testing we may find, like was the case just years ago in 2010 with the Pascagoula/Pearl River Map turtles, that was once considered to be one species, has now been proven to be two actual species.

A likely candidate for future species division could be the Ouachita map turtle.  Which could be split into two separate species, or possibly three. This observation based on the extreme color/pattern differences of the species as it ranges over its large geographic territory. The photos below would certainly look to be of two different map turtles. The coloration and basic structure of the head and the distinctly different pattern of the stripping would certainly point to two different species. However, in the case of the Ouachita, it currently does not. Both these turtles are simply categorized as G. ouachitensis, despite their obvious differences in head pattern and structure.  So as time goes on, it is possible that this species, or even others, could add to the number of recognized map turtle varieties.  But for now, the scorecard is 16.

      Please join us in subsequent articles when we look at other interesting areas relating to Map Turtles.

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