Type of Shell: Hard shell with dorsal keels

Texas Map Turtles are found nowhere else in the world except in Central Texas. They live streams and rivers that have soft muddy bottoms. Aquatic environments can vary from clear streams (Barton Creek) to muddy rivers (Colorado River). Its range consists of the Colorado drainage system in the Edwards Plateau.

Sexual dimorphism is displayed in map turtles. Male Texas Map turtles grow to less than five inches in length, while the females are around 8 inches or so. Texas Map Turtles are the smallest of all the map turtle species.

In general, very little is known about its natural history. Breeding season presumably starts in early spring and egg laying starts in summer. Hatching Texas map turtles are around one inch in diameter. In general, very little is known about its natural history.

Map Turtles are often grouped with other turtles that specialize on life in moving aquatic environments, such as rivers. Unlike lakes, rivers often span large distances, thus increases the amount of pollution sources that can affect life down the river. Point pollution sources such as sewage treatment plants and factories are fairly regulated and easier to control. Laws such as the Federal Water Pollution Control Act Amendments of 1972 and later amendments such as the Clean Water Act of 1977 and Water Quality Act of 1987 have regulated point pollution sources and set standards for water quality across the nation. Non-point pollution sources such as pesticide & fertilizer runoffs are harder to control and are more wide spread. By developing better farming techniques and through public education, we can limit non-point pollution sources and created cleaner water for recreation activities, such as boating and fishing, as well as wildlife.

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