The Mississippi map turtle can live 15-20 years. Mississippi map turtles are the most common type of map turtles, and their lifespans are relatively long. If they are reared in the correct way, most Mississippi map turtles can live for about 20 years.

Mississippi map turtle carapace is olive to brown with dark brown Ridges and interconnected circular patterns. The plastron is greenish to green and has a pattern of dark lines that are extremely variable and intricate. There is a crescent-shaped yellow pattern behind the eyes, and the stripes on the neck are blocked from reaching the eyes. The chin consists of circular spots. The white eyes are prominent, and the pupils are black. Male Mississippi map turtles have slender claws on their front feet.