Northern Map Turtle

Characteristics

The northern map turtle (Graptemys geographica) is named for the markings on its shell, which look like the contour lines on a topographical map. The carapace (upper shell) is olive green with fine yellow lines and has a distinct ridge (keel) along the centre and serrations along its back edge. Both the head and legs have an intricate pattern of bright yellow lines. This turtle has a yellow spot behind the eyes. The plastron (lower shell) is cream to yellow in adults, but in juveniles the plastron has dark lines along the seams. Females get much larger than males and grow up to 27 centimetres in carapace length, whereas males grow to only 14 centimetres long.

Northern map turtle © Scott Gillingwater

Similar Species

Painted turtles have similar colouring on the head and neck, but their carapace has red markings along the sides and lacks the keel down the centre and the serrations along the back edge. Young Blanding’s turtles can have yellow markings on the carapace but also have a distinct yellow chin and throat, as well as a very domed shell. Snapping turtles get significantly larger than map turtles and have prominent ridges on their tail and lack the patterning on the shell and bright yellow lines on the face and legs.

Northern map turtle © Jason King

Habitat

Northern map turtles inhabit large rivers and lakes with slow-moving water and a soft bottom. They require high-quality water that supports the female’s mollusc prey. These turtles may congregate in areas with abundant basking sites.

View an interactive map of the known ranges of northern map turtles in Ontario.

The northern map turtle is covered in the Ontario Reptile and Amphibian Atlas publication

Learn More

Beaver River, Uxbridge © Sean Marshall

Biology

Female northern map turtles take approximately 12 years to reach maturity, while males take five years to mature. They nest from June through July and lay a single clutch of nine to 17 eggs. They begin hatching in late August, and in some cases the hatchlings overwinter in the nest. The incubation temperature of the eggs determines the gender of the hatchlings.

Northern map turtles are known for their communal basking, and many individuals may be found piled up together. This species has very strong jaws. The large females eat molluscs such as snails and clams, as well as crayfish, other invertebrates and some fish. Males and juveniles eat insects and crayfish. Individuals of this species can live more than 20 years.

Other names: common map turtle, Malacoclemmys geographica, Testudo geographica

Northern map turtle hatchling © Scott Gillingwater

Threats and Trends

Although many populations of northern map turtles in Ontario are large, water pollution poses a serious threat because it can cause mass die-offs of molluscs, the primary food of female map turtles. Habitat loss and degradation due to shoreline development are additional threats to this species. It is also vulnerable to mortality on roadways, and a recent study documented high rates of injury from boat propellers.

Northern map turtle © Noah Cole

Current Status and Protection

The northern map turtle is currently listed as Special Concern under both the Ontario Endangered Species Act, 2007 and the federal Species at Risk Act. The species has also been designated as a Specially Protected Reptile under the Ontario Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act. These acts offer some protection to individuals and their habitat. The International Union for Conservation of Nature lists the global status of the northern map turtle as Least Concern. The species’ status was confirmed in August 2010.

Learn more about reptile and amphibian conservation and what you can do to help these species on our Reptile and Amphibian Stewardship page.

Northern map turtle © Joe Crowley

What You Can Do

Report a sighting
Get involved in reptile and amphibian conservation on your property, on the road and in your community
Donate to support reptile and amphibian conservation
Watch for reptiles and amphibians on the road
Don’t release pet reptiles and amphibians into the wild
Read more about the northern map turtle in the Ontario Reptile and Amphibians Atlas publication.