The plastron color varies from cream to yellow and is patterned with dark lines along the seams in juveniles.

The false map turtle also lives in several other river systems of Southwest Louisiana and East Texas.

The false map turtle is a strong swimmer and prefers rivers and large creeks with moderate currents, containing aquatic vegetation, as well as snags or floating logs.

A variety of threats face this species, including the destruction of nests of eggs by animals and insects, falling victim to gill nets, and being shot.

False map turtles, much like red-eared sliders (Trachemys scripta elegans), have also been collected for the pet trade.