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.
| Escambia map turtle | |
|---|---|
| |
| Graptemys ernsti | |
Scientific classification 
| |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Reptilia |
| Order: | Testudines |
| Suborder: | Cryptodira |
| Superfamily: | Testudinoidea |
| Family: | Emydidae |
| Genus: | Graptemys |
| Species: | G. ernsti
|
| Binomial name | |
| Graptemys ernsti | |
| |
| Range map | |
| Synonyms[3] | |
Geographic range
editG. ernsti is found in southern Alabama and western Florida, in rivers which drain into Escambia Bay.[3]
Habitat
editThe preferred natural habitat of G. ernsti is flowing fresh water, in medium to large creeks and rivers.[1]
Etymology
editThe specific name, ernsti, is in honor of American herpetologist Dr. Carl Henry Ernst.[4][5]
Description
editFemales of G. 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
editThe diet of G. 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
editMales of G. 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
edit- ^ a b c d e van Dijk PP (2016) [errata version of 2011 assessment]. "Graptemys ernsti ". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2011: e.T9500A97418010. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2013.RLTS.T9500A12997190.en. Retrieved 27 October 2022.
- ^ "Appendices | CITES". cites.org. Retrieved 1 March 2023.
- ^ a b Fritz, Uwe; Havaš, Peter (2007). "Checklist of Chelonians of the World". Vertebrate Zoology. 57 (2): 149–368. doi:10.3897/vz.57.e30895.
- ^ 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. ISBN 978-1-4214-0135-5. (Graptemys ernsti, p. 85).
Further reading
edit- 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- Tortoise and Freshwater Turtle Specialist Group (1996). Graptemys ernsti. 2006 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Retrieved 29 July 2007.
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