I Officially give in to trying to ID my map turts

[daz30347]

Hi all,

Will get pics son, but i just cant find which type of map 2 of the map turtles i have are, i know 100% that my other 1 is a false, but the other two are mysteries.they look like this, but more colourful with a different head colour, and no horizontal line in the eyes

[-EJ]

That's one of the easier to ID because of the spike... a Barbours Map turtle... Gpaptemys barbouri. What really stinks is that water turtles are commonly split up into species or subspecies depending on what drainage system they are found in... which is one reason I've never gotten into water turtles. Unless you can trust the source it is very difficult to pair up some... similar to the testudo.

I'm pretty certain that is a Barbours Map turtle. That's alwasy been one favorite of mine because of the ornamental shell.

Very nice shot... btw.

Just reread your post... the picture is a Barbours... from your description it could be a Cagles Map turtle... Ernsts Map...or Gibbons Map... (case in point) but that should give you a better direction.

Ed

Originally Posted by daz30347

Hi all,

Will get pics son, but i just cant find which type of map 2 of the map turtles i have are, i know 100% that my other 1 is a false, but the other two are mysteries.they look like this, but more colourful with a different head colour, and no horizontal line in the eyes

[daz30347]

cheers for the reply EJ, Here is a two pics for you to ID

[-EJ]

Keep in mind I'm going from the ID in books with limited actual experience in water turtles. They are very frustrating especially when it comes to taxonomy. I'm answering because I like puzzles and you've posted nice photos to work with. See if you can get a clear shot of the profile of the actule turtle you're trying to ID.

That said... It looks like a common RES. If it does not have the Red Ears it could be a hybrid but the plastron... which is usually the best clue in CB and raised animals... screams RES... Red Eared Slider.

That's my ingnorant opinion for what it's worth.

I guess Graham... the dude I bow to on water turtles... is busy. I'm sure he'll jump in... time permitting.

Ed

Originally Posted by daz30347

cheers for the reply EJ, Here is a two pics for you to ID

[James_T]

It's not a map. Either a Cumberland Slider, or mix of RES/YBS/Cumberland that is a very common find in the UK.

[daz30347]

cheers guys, must have been the reason i could not find an ID for a map
RES

[-EJ]

I'll bet your headed in the proper direction now...

Good luck.

Ed

Originally Posted by daz30347

cheers guys, must have been teh reason i could not find an ID for a map

[daz30347]

Yup, better change me Signature lol

[daz30347]

found out there RIO GRANDE SLIDERS after abit of research

[-EJ]

I'd hold off on the final ID until Graham offers up an opinion but your last shot should clinch a positive ID from someone.


After looking at the picture again and the head pattern... I'm thinking Pseudemys...

Check this out... this is why I like to get into discussions which I know some to little about...

this is a graphic key which looks like it is based on a good taxanomic. Run the turtle through and see how it keys out... thanks for the incentive to find a neat link.

Discover Life -- Turtles identification guide & checklist

Ed

Originally Posted by daz30347

found out there RIO GRANDE SLIDERS after abit of research