COMMON MAP TURTLE

Photo by Suzanne L. Collins
Used by permission

Federal Status:
None

State Status:
Threatened

• Range:
  Dark Blue = Counties with designated critical habitat
  Light Blue = Historical records
• Comments: The word “common” in this map turtle’s name is a misnomer in Kansas. It is not common but rather is documented only in portions of the Neosho, Verdigris and Marais des Cygnes river drainages. The female has a large head with muscular jaws and a bony pad on the roof of her mouth for crushing mussel shells. The male has a smaller head and body. A small yellow spot behind the eye with a vertical light line between it and the eye separate this turtle from other Kansas map turtles. The common map turtle is shy and retiring and seldom seen.

Other Reptiles on the Kansas T&E List