Graptemys ouachitensis Cagle, 1953

Taxon Authority

Graptemys ouachitensis Cagle, 1953 has a carapace with a row of low vertebral spines and a serrated posterior rim.

Carapace Appearance

The carapace is colored olive, dark brown, or black, with light yellowish markings that have dark borders.

Plastron Appearance

The plastron ranges in color from cream to yellow, and is patterned with dark lines and swirls.

Body Coloration

The body of the turtle is grayish brown to blackish, and marked with yellowish stripes.

Head Markings

On the head, this species has light yellow spots: one rectangular spot behind each eye, one oval spot under each eye, and one round spot on each side of the jaw.

Head Marking Variation

In some individual turtles, the spot behind the eye and the spot under the eye may merge into a single thick C-shaped marking.

Ocular Stripe

A black stripe runs through the middle of the eye.

Sexual Size Dimorphism

Males of this species are noticeably smaller than females.

Carapace Length

Male carapace length reaches a maximum of 5 inches (13 cm), while female carapace length can grow up to 10 inches (25 cm).

Species Distribution

This species is endemic to the United States, where it occurs in Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Oklahoma, Kansas, Arkansas, Missouri, Iowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Indiana, Ohio, West Virginia, Illinois, Tennessee and Kentucky.

Subspecies Distribution

The subspecies G. o. sabinensis is found only in the Sabine River that runs through Louisiana and Texas.

Habitat Type

Both G. o. ouachitensis and G. o. sabinensis are freshwater river-dwelling turtles.

Terrestrial Behavior

G. o. ouachitensis is rarely observed on land except during nesting season or when basking.