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Common Musk Turtle

Sternotherus oderatus

Description:

Common musk turtles are small turtles (2 - 5 in; 5-12 cm) with dark brown or black shells that may be streaked or mottled and commonly accumulates green algae. There are two distinct stripes on the head and barbels on both the chin and throat. This species can be differentiated from the similar mud turtles (Kinosternon sp.) by their relatively small plastron (bottom of shell), which has one weak hinge and exposed areas of skin between plastron scutes. Loggerhead Musk Turtles (Kinosternon minor) have much larger heads, with no slight stripes. Males have thicker tails than females. Additionally, males' tails always ends in a spine and the anal vent extends beyond the edge of the carapace. Stinkpots take their name from small glands on the underside of the carapace that can exude a foul-smelling musk in self-defense; captives don’t do this often & it is not a hygiene issue (your house won’t stink because you keep one). Other mud & musk turtles & common snappers have this capability. Musk Turtles are primarily nocturnal and they are often seen foraging in shallow water in the evening. They are omnivorous (e.g., seeds, insects, snails, tadpoles, algae) and will occasionally scavenge on fish carrion. This species rarely emerges to bask and is most successfully captured with nocturnal trapping techniques. Breeding occurs in the spring and fall. Mating often occurs in the water and males bite the female to see if she is receptive before mounting. Females often lay two clutches a season of 1-9 eggs under debris in loamy soils. Clutch size varies with carapace length and age, but environmental factors could be the primary influence.

Habitat:

Common musk turtles occur throughout the eastern U.S. in a variety of aquatic habitats. They are most common in shallow water-bodies with low currents, abundant aquatic vegetation, and soft organic bottoms.

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1 Comment

keithp2012
keithp2012 11 years ago

added a photo of a baby too

keithp2012
Spotted by
keithp2012

Laurel Hollow, New York, USA

Spotted on Aug 22, 2012
Submitted on Aug 22, 2012

Spotted for Mission

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