Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi, I'm hoping for information about Pyrite. He was found, buried in a yard, when digging a footer for a patio. He was cared for by children for a while before they gave him to me. His markings show well in the photo, but the yellow areas are actually pale orange. There are some map turtles in a stream in the nearby hills, but he doesn't look like them. I'm sure he's an escapee. Any suggestions as to his type would be appreciated. Are maps/false maps of this color common? I may need to find him a companion. Karen DW

pyrite appears to be a male mississippi map turtle (Graptemys kohni aka G. pseudogeographica kohni). The G. pseudogeographica group (G. pseudogeographica, G, ouchitensis, G. kohni) is difficult to diagnose, especially with oly one photo, but the yellow crescent-like stripe behind the eye appears to completely separate the neck stripes from the eye.

Can you explain what you mean by "buried"? Was it a hatchling or an adult when they found it?

He was in the ground (soil), and was uncovered by the men who were digging. Fortunately, he wasn't injured. I have not observed him burying himself since I've had him. He may have been trying to conserve moisture, or perhaps just hiding.
I hope I can find another one of this color.