Escambia map turtle
# Escambia map turtle

The Escambia map turtle (Graptemys ernsti), also known commonly as Ernst's map turtle, is a species of turtle in the family Emydidae. The species is endemic to the United States.

## Geographic range

G. ernsti is found in southern Alabama and western Florida, in rivers which drain into Escambia Bay.

## Habitat

The preferred natural habitat of G. ernsti is flowing fresh water, in medium to large creeks and rivers.

## Etymology

The specific name, ernsti, is in honor of American herpetologist Dr. Carl Henry Ernst.

## Description

Females of G. ernsti are larger than males. Females may attain a straight carapace length of 28.5 cm (11.2 in), but males only grow to a straight carapace length of 13 cm (5.1 in).

## Diet

The diet of G. ernsti varies according to age and gender. Males and juveniles prey predominately upon insects, but females prey almost entirely upon snails and clams, including the invasive species Corbicula fluminea.

## Reproduction

Males of G. ernsti reach sexual maturity at an age of 3–4 years, but females don't reach sexual maturity until an age of 14–19 years. Each sexually mature female lays an average of 4 clutches a year, with an average clutch size of 7 eggs.

