| this is my Yellow Blotch Sawback Map Turtle!!!!!! Its care follows: The term 'sawback' is attributed to three (and possibly a fourth) of the map turtles species. They are designated as sawback map turtles because of their extremely accentuated scutes going down the center of their carapace, the vertebral keel. The rear of these vertebral scutes, especially the first three, strongly juts upward creating a serrated or saw-like appearance. Though similar to its close relative the Ringed Map Turtle G. oculifera, the Yellow-blotched Map Turtle is especially beautiful with the center of each scute accenting its otherwise olive brown body with a bright touch of yellow. Being fairly easy to take care of, the Yellow-blotched Map Turtle is good for beginners. It is very shy and alert, plopping into the water at the approach of its keeper. However it will soon become tame, and though it will still dive off into the water it will quickly re-surface to see if any food has been offered. An avid basker and active swimmer, it is a joy to observe. The Yellow-blotched Map Turtle can make a good companion in a community habitat as long as there is plenty of space and lots of decor. It can be kept with other map turtles as well as other baskers such as sliders, cooters, and painted turtles. However when kept with other turtles, it is important to add add an extra basking spot or two to the environment, and to avoid crowding. The Yellow-blotched Map Turtle Graptemys Flavimaculata was ... |