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Description
Mississippi Map Turtle
Scientific Name: Graptemys pseudogeographica kohni
Common Name: Mississippi Map Turtle, Mississippi Map Terrapin
Species Overview
Size: Males typically reach 3.5 to 5 inches (9 to 13 cm), while females grow significantly larger at 6 to 10 inches (15 to 25 cm).
Appearance: The Mississippi Map Turtle is known for the intricate, map-like pattern on its olive to brown carapace, with lighter yellow or tan lines tracing each scute. The rear marginals are serrated, especially in younger individuals. The head features bold yellow stripes and distinctive crescent-shaped markings behind the eyes. Females develop broader heads for crushing snails and crustaceans, while males retain smaller, narrower heads. The plastron is pale with subtle markings along the seams.
Distribution: Found throughout the Mississippi River drainage, extending through states such as Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, Missouri, Mississippi, and Louisiana.
Habitat: In the wild, this species occupies large rivers, oxbow lakes, backwaters, and waterways with moderate current. They prefer areas with abundant basking structures and aquatic vegetation. In captivity, they require a spacious aquatic setup with strong filtration and solid basking platforms.
Behaviour: Mississippi Map Turtles are diurnal, excellent swimmers, and frequent baskers. They are generally shy but can become more confident with routine care. They navigate water rapidly and appreciate strong current zones when provided.
Captive Care
Enclosure: Provide an aquatic enclosure with a minimum footprint of 48 × 24 inches (120 × 60 cm) for an adult female; males may be kept in smaller setups, with 36 × 18 inches (90 × 45 cm) as a minimum. Offer deep water for swimming, driftwood, rocks, floating platforms, and submerged hides. Strong filtration is essential due to their sensitivity to water quality.
Temperature and Humidity:
Water temperature: 75 to 80°F (24 to 27°C)
Basking area: 90 to 95°F (32 to 35°C)
Ambient air temperature: 78 to 84°F (26 to 29°C)
Lighting: Provide full-spectrum lighting with 10–12% UVB to support shell health and proper calcium metabolism. Ensure a secure, stable basking area that dries completely.
Diet: Offer a varied omnivorous diet including insects, earthworms, snails, crustaceans, aquatic invertebrates, commercial turtle pellets, leafy greens, and aquatic plants. Females benefit from occasional hard-shelled prey due to their stronger jaws.
Behaviour in Captivity: Mississippi Map Turtles are active swimmers and frequent baskers. They tend to be cautious but gradually become more visible and confident. They thrive in enclosures with current, abundant structure, and clean water.
Special Considerations
• Highly sensitive to poor water quality; filtration must be robust.
• Females require more space due to larger adult size.
• Provide multiple basking options and areas with mild current.
• Offer hard-shelled prey items occasionally, especially for females.
Taxonomy Note
The Mississippi Map Turtle is a subspecies within the Graptemys pseudogeographica complex. It differs from the False Map Turtle by its characteristic eye crescents and more pronounced head striping.
Genetics Note
There are no recognised morphs for the Mississippi Map Turtle. Variations in head markings, shell colour, and pattern clarity occur naturally among individuals and reflect regional diversity rather than selective breeding.