Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Don't spend much time on turtles normally. On a snake hunting trip in Central Texas we found a "sick" turtle while swimming in the San Marcos River near Gonzales. Unfortunately, it had a VERY bad infection (eye swollen shut and purple...neck swollen, back legs limp, trouble holding head up). He died on the way to the animal shelter where I volunteer here in Houston. Pictures will be coming somewhere a long the line. The carapace was probably about 5.5 or 6 inches. Brightly colored face...much like a map turtle. No raised scutes...but it was an older specimen in a fast moving part so they could have been worn down (there possibly was evidence of the keeled scutes). The plastron was fairly normal but the underside of the legs was highyl decorated with yellow and orange. I will try to get a pic soon. None of the identification books have a specimen resembling it (though Texas Map was our guess). Thanks. Andy
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Andy Maddox
Houston Herp Key
The Reptizone

Who are you who can say it's ok to live through me? Alice In Chains

I have had the same problem. But, I did find out what it was. I am a turtle guy. I keep and breed several species. I have been tubing in San Marcos about 10-15 years ago and came across what sounds like the same species. Its markings do look very much like a map turtle. I did finally figure out that it is indeed a Texas River Cooter. Not many field guides have a specific picture of the Texas Subspecies of river cooter. I will try and find a photo of the Texas River Cooter and send you a link.

That was my one other guess. I had never heard of that subspecific animal until yesterday when I went through a different guide that I formerly regarded as inferior to my own. The only thing that had me puzzled is that the head markings did not appear to match up very closely, but I suppose that could just be the variation between specimens. Thanks a ton. We should have pics soon and can get more at any time as the turtle is in my friend Scott's freezer. Thanks again. Andy
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Andy Maddox
Houston Herp Key
The Reptizone

Who are you who can say it's ok to live through me? Alice In Chains

I'd have to re-read some of the field guides but I think that are a certain arrangement of jaw cusps that will lock down for sure if it is a Texas River Cooter (P. texana) or not. It could be a map turtle if not the Texas River Cooter.

try ernst lovich and barbour
turtles of us and canada
1992
it has a short article