The northern map turtle is an endangered and rare species found across Canada, often preferring large lakes and rivers where recreational or commercial fishing activities take place.
This species of turtle displays extreme sexual dimorphism. Females have wider heads and an opening known as the cloaca which extends further backward along its rear edge than in males.
Insects
Northern map turtles are medium-sized freshwater turtles characterized by patterns on their upper shell that resemble contour lines on topographical maps. Their olive-green hue is highlighted with yellow lines resembling contour lines while two yellow spots on its head provide contrast. Their lower plastron shell ranges from cream to yellow with dark spots along its scute seams; over time the colors and patterns on this species’ shell fade with maturity and adulthood.
Wild turtles inhabit waterways such as lakes and rivers. They prefer living near shorelines where mud accumulation provides protection. Diurnal in nature, these turtles remain active during daylight hours but generally rest up at night unless disturbed.
Keepers of map turtles as pets need a large pond with at least one area for basking. Since these aquatic reptiles require moderately cool environments in which to hibernate during winter months, outdoor enclosures may not work out as well – though breeders have successfully raised them in suburban ponds or Koi ponds with good success.
Northern map turtles as they become adults consume a diet consisting of both plants and animals, including snails, clams and crayfish as well as insects – an approximate split between 25% protein consumption and 75% vegetables is ideal.
Molluscs
Northern map turtles are carnivorous aquatic reptiles that feed on snails, crayfish and insects. Female map turtles possess wide heads with strong jaws equipped with broad alveolar crushing surfaces to crush prey efficiently. Young northern map turtles may consume aquatic plants; this food source becomes less significant when reaching adulthood.
Northern map turtles spend much of their day basking for extended periods, preferring larger bodies of water like rivers and lakes over small ponds; additionally, they prefer areas with lots of rocks, logs or other sunbathing surfaces such as rock formations to help them sunbathe.
Under captivity conditions, it is vital that map turtles receive ample natural sunlight or indoor UVB. Without access to sunlight or UVB exposure, these turtles become vulnerable to shell disease known as leopard spot which causes white or gray patches on their shell. To combat this risk, regularly expose your map turtle to natural sunlight as well as use an acriflavine cleaner on its shell can prevent Leopard Spot disease from manifesting itself in its entirety.
Northern map turtle gametic cycles remain poorly understood, although they likely resemble those of other temperate zone turtles. Males may store viable sperm throughout the summer and fall, with peak spermatogenesis taking place late summer.
Crayfish
Northern map turtles are medium-sized aquatic reptiles distinguished by a low, dorsal keel on their upper shell (carapace) with squiggly lines, serrated edges, and an opening at the rear called a cloaca. Females tend to be heavier with wider heads while males have narrower faces and thicker tails.
Fish adapted to lakes and ponds can thrive in their environment. Active swimmers and baskers, these fish often gather together on logs or other objects in the water for safety. Skittish by nature, if threatened they often retreat deeper water quickly.
Northern map turtles primarily consume animal matter, such as mollusks and crustaceans. With large jaws and wide alveolar crushing areas in their mouths, these active turtles have no problem devouring hard shelled snails, clams, or crayfish easily; additionally they consume some fish and plant material as food sources. When kept as pets in captivity this turtle makes an excellent choice; just make sure there’s ample swimming space provided so they can remain active without aggression from other reptile species that could become aggressive or territorial over time.
