Food Partitioning in Three Sympatric Species of Map Turtle, Genus Graptemys (Testudinata, Emydidae)

• DOI: 10.2307/2425015
• Publication Date: 2006-04-24T12:24:52Z
• Authors: Richard C. Vogt
• Keywords: 0106 biological sciences; 14. Life underwater; 01 natural sciences

Three species of map turtle, Graptemys geographica, G. ouachitensis and pseudo geo graphic a, inhabit the Mississippi River near Stoddard, Vernon Co., Wiscon- sin. Adult females all three are similar size distinctly larger than males. One species, has a notably wider head other two. Quan- titative analysis fresh stomach contents 113 adult females, qualitative 74 others feeding observations confirm that use different foods strategies. geographica is carnivore specializing on mollusks. Grap- temys an omnivore, but specializes in surface feeding. pseudo- general overlapping two both food areas. seems to be limited by availability. represents 66% study area may best at exploiting apparently unlimited resource aquatic vegetation insect larvae. In Arkansas, G graphica mollusk specialist, possibly due lack com- petition from competition ubiquitous generalist, Pseudemys scripta, strict vegetarian, concinna.