Escambia map turtle
| Escambia map turtle | |
|---|---|
| File:Graptemys ernsti 18Jun09 EscambiaRiver 2z.JPG | |
| Graptemys ernsti | |
| Scientific classification Edit this classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Reptilia |
| Order: | Testudines |
| Suborder: | Cryptodira |
| Family: | Emydidae |
| Genus: | Graptemys |
| Species: | G. ernsti
|
| Binomial name | |
| Graptemys ernsti | |
| File:Graptemys ernsti map.png | |
| Range map | |
| Synonyms[3] | |
The Escambia map turtle (Graptemys ernsti), also known commonly as Ernst's map turtle, is a species of turtle in the family Emydidae. The species is endemic to the United States.
Geographic range
[edit | edit source]Graptemys ernsti is found in southern Alabama and western Florida, in rivers which drain into Escambia Bay.[3]
Habitat
[edit | edit source]The preferred natural habitat of Graptemys ernsti is flowing fresh water, in medium to large creeks and rivers.[1]
Etymology
[edit | edit source]The specific name, ernsti, is in honor of American herpetologist Carl Henry Ernst.[4][5]
Description
[edit | edit source]Females of Graptemys ernsti are larger than males. Females may attain a straight carapace length of 28.5 cm (11.2 in), but males only grow to a straight carapace length of 13 cm (5.1 in).[1]
Diet
[edit | edit source]The diet of Graptemys ernsti varies according to age and gender. Males and juveniles prey predominately upon insects, but females prey almost entirely upon snails and clams, including the invasive species Corbicula fluminea.[1]
Reproduction
[edit | edit source]Males of Graptemys ernsti reach sexual maturity at an age of 3–4 years, but females don't reach sexual maturity until an age of 14–19 years. Each sexually mature female lays an average of 4 clutches a year, with an average clutch size of 7 eggs.[1]
References
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- ^ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2172: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
- ^ a b Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2172: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
- ^ Species Graptemys ernsti at The Reptile Database www.reptile-database.org.
- ^ Beolens, Bo; Watkins, Michael; Grayson, Michael (2011). The Eponym Dictionary of Reptiles. Baltimore: Johns Hopkins University Press. xiii + 296 pp. Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2172: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).. (Graptemys ernsti, p. 85).
Further reading
[edit | edit source]- Ennen JR, Godwin J, Lovich JE, Kreiser BR, Folt B, Hazzard S (2016). "Interdrainage Morphological and Genetic Differentiation in the Escambia Map Turtle, Graptemys ernsti ". Herpetological Conservation & Biology 11 (1): 122–131.
- Lovich JE, McCoy CJ (1992). "Review of the Graptemys pulchra Group (Reptilia: Testudines: Emydidae), with Descriptions of Two New Species". Annals of Carnegie Museum 61 (4): 293–315. ("Grapemys ernsti, new species", pp. 300–302, Figures 4–5).
External links
[edit | edit source]- Tortoise and Freshwater Turtle Specialist Group (1996). Graptemys ernsti. 2006 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Retrieved 29 July 2007.
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