Graptemys versa

Scientific name. Graptemys versa

Common Name. Texas Map Turtle

General information. The Texas Map Turtle is like other map turtles: diurnal, spending much of their day basking on rocks and logs. This species is likely omnivorous, feeding on both aquatic vegetation and invertebrate prey (insects and mollusks).

Protected status. The Texas Map Turtle is not a protected species in Texas and can be legally collected with a hunting license.

Diagnostic features. Anterior scutes distinctly convex Flattened, elliptical carapace with serrated posterior edge and vertebral keel of low spine-like projections. Plastron unhinged. Head narrow with no medial notch or hook on upper jaw. Webbed feet. Males with longer fingernails on forelimbs than females.

Coloration. Carapace olive; yellow plastron with pigment along margins Light yellow blotch anterior to each vertebral spine Yellow reticulations on each carapacial scute, including dorsal marginals. Horizontal or J-shaped line behind eye; postocular mark may extend backward from trailing edge. Three to six yellow lines extend up neck to contact orbit. Olive skin; many dark lines surrounding yellow areas. Chin may have orange or yellow blotches with dark borders.

General distribution. In North America, Graptemys versa is restricted to the state of Texas.

Texas distribution. In Texas, the endemic Graptemys versa is found along the Colorado River drainage in the Edwards Plateau region of central Texas.

Habitat. The Texas Map Turtle can be found in shallow streams, usually with moderate current.

Reproduction. Little is recorded about reproduction in this species. Reproduction is probably similar to G. caglei with multiple clutches possible from May to July.

Size. Adult Graptemys versa range in size from 6.5-11 cm (2.5-4.5 in) in males and 9-21.5 cm (3.5-8.5 in) in females.

Map. Orange counties indicate new county records since previous Herps of Texas update in 1998; all other colored counties reflect known distribution prior to 1998 for species and/or subspecies. Map is based on museum voucher specimens.