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By day, the Pascagoula map turtle basks on logs and branches along the river and hunts for food. Growing much larger than males, females have strong jaws for crushing clams and snails. Being smaller, males and young turtles primarily eat insects. At night, the turtle takes cover underwater, clinging to branches just below the surface.

pascagoula map turtle

Did You Know?

Map turtles are named for the detailed map-like designs on their shells.

Quick Facts

Latin Name:
Graptemys gibbonsi

Range:
Pascagoula River system, Mississippi

Habitat:
Creeks and rivers

Length:
Male – Up to 5 in Female – Up to 11.5 in

Zoo Location:
Reptile House

Diet:
Insects, snails, and clams

Risk Status:
Species at Risk (IUCN—Endangered)