Texas Map Turtle
Graptemys versa
Intermediate
Identification
The posterior edge of the carapace is serrated. The plastron is yellow with dark lines around the seams of the scutes. These lines will normally fade with age. The skin of the head, neck, legs, and tail is olive with yellow striping and some occasional darker lines. This is a narrow-headed turtle. The eyes are yellow in color with a partial bar through the pupil. One of the main identifying features of the Texas Map Turtle is the 3 bright yellow or yellow-orange circles on the chin. There is also a "J-shaped" marking on the head, behind the eye. However, this mark can vary greatly between individuals. The orange-ish coloring of the chinspots and the head marking should be paired together to make a positive identification. Males will have longer and wider tails with the cloacal opening 1/2 to 2/3 of the way down the tail and a more juvenile appearance. Females will have shorter, narrower tails and a slightly bulkier build, including their heads. Graptemys versa is a smaller turtle; females only attain a carapace length of 21.4 cm (8.4 in). Males are even smaller, only attaining a carapace length of 9.0 cm (3.5 in).
Range
Texas Maps are found only in one Texas river system. They occur in the Colorado River drainage on the Edwards Plateau of south-central Texas. They occur in both relatively fast-moving, muddy rivers and also streams, creeks and lakes connected to the river system; some of these creeks are clear and include fast flow, waterfalls, rocky bottoms and deep pools.
Diet
In the wild Texas Maps eat freshwater sponges, algae, seeds, Asian clams, various aquatic insects, leeches, and crayfish. In captivity start hatchlings on once daily feeding of commercial pellets or carnivorous fare up to about 6 months. At this age, a diet of good brand name pellets (i.e.: ReptoMin, Mazuri; you may occasionally substitute some live foods) is recommended. After 6 months or so cut back on the feedings to every other day. Adjust amount of food accordingly with growth rate and shell appearance. Romaine lettuce may be offered 'all you can eat' at any age (romaine is mostly water, and not apt to overload them on protein). Other lettuces are fine, too. Organically grown lettuce is preferred to avoid pesticide residues.
Notes
Texas maps do well in tanks and in water and land setups. Adults can be kept in outdoor ponds in summer months, or in warmer climates. Map turtles are excellent swimmers and will do better in deeper waters. Even as hatchlings they prefer (relatively) deeper setups, albeit with plenty of cover for security. Texas map turtles are usually good community turtles. There is relatively little literature available on the behavior of this species. They are known to be avid baskers at all ages, and aerial basking has been observed in hatchlings. In captivity, they act much like the rest of the map genus, though they are typically less shy while basking than most other map turtle species. Sex is often identifiable by the time the specimen reaches 2.5" (6.3cm) PL. Males often mature in their second or third year of growth in the wild. The minimum recorded PL for a mature male is 2.2" (5.7cm). Female maturity occurs at about 7 years of age. The smallest observed gravid female was 4.5" (11.5cm) in PL, however, they are normally at least 5.4" (13.7cm).
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