False Map Turtle Graptemys pseudographica
False map turtles are found in the extreme southern Missouri River System
in North Dakota. They are identified by a brown carapace with light-yellow
oval markings. They have blunt spines that project up from the midline of
the carapace. On the head, a light yellow stripe behind each eye is visible.
The undersides or plastrons of false map turtles are cream to yellowish
in color. The juveniles have an intricate pattern, whereas in the adults
this pattern is absent.
Common Snapping Turtle Chelydra serpentina
Snapping turtles are commonly found throughout North Dakota. They are
black to brown when young and as they age, algae grows on their backs or
carapaces to produce a dull greenish-black color. The undersides of the
shells or plastrons are a light tan or light gray. They can attain lengths
of 8-30 inches overall. In the wild, their weight can reach up to 65 pounds.
In captivity, well-fed snappers can exceed 75 pounds.
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