About Graptemys sabinensis Cagle, 1953
Carapace Characteristics
Description: The carapace of this species has a row of low vertebral spines, and its posterior rim is serrated. The carapace is colored olive, dark brown, or black, with light yellowish markings that have dark borders.
Plastron and Body Color
The plastron ranges in color from cream to yellow, and is patterned with dark lines and swirls. The body is colored grayish brown to blackish, and marked with yellowish stripes.
Head Markings
On the head, there are 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. In some specimens, the spot behind the eye and the spot under the eye may combine to form a single thick C-shaped mark. There is a black stripe running through the middle of the eye.
Sexual Size Dimorphism
Males are significantly smaller than females. Males can reach a maximum carapace length of 5 inches (13 cm), while females can reach a maximum carapace length of 10 inches (25 cm).
Species Range
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
G. o. sabinensis occurs only in the Sabine River of Louisiana and Texas.
Habitat Type
Both G. o. ouachitensis and G. o. sabinensis are freshwater riverine turtles.
Terrestrial Activity
G. o. ouachitensis is rarely seen on land outside of nesting season or basking.
