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Common Musk Turtle

Sternotherus odoratus

Description:

Commonly confused with the Eastern Mud Turtle and Common Snapping Turtle, Common Musk Turtles have thin yellow stripes along their faces and down to their necks. This hatchling is about the size of a quarter if not smaller.

Habitat:

Found while fishing in my favorite spot. He was cruising near the shore for minnows.

Notes:

I enjoy seeing these guys all the time.

1 Species ID Suggestions

NeilDazet
NeilDazet 10 years ago
Common Musk Turtle
Sternotherus odoratus Common Musk Turtle (hatchling) | Project Noah


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6 Comments

ConorSheaWing
ConorSheaWing 10 years ago

Have the*

ConorSheaWing
ConorSheaWing 10 years ago

Oh wow my whole life I was told they were Eastern Muds! I didn't know there were Muds and Musks.. This one IS a Musk Turtle though, I've caught adults that have to face stripe in the same area.

NeilDazet
NeilDazet 10 years ago

Regarding my Suggested ID, the common musk turtle hatchlings have the light yellow lines on their head. The eastern mud turtle hatchling has no lines on head (Peterson field guide). Nice spotting!

TylerGraden
TylerGraden 10 years ago

Gotta love those little dudes. It's hard to imagine how small they really are until you hold one.

ConorSheaWing
ConorSheaWing 10 years ago

The baby Snappers look a lot cuter!

AshleyT
AshleyT 10 years ago

Oh my gosh so tiny and cute!

ConorSheaWing
Spotted by
ConorSheaWing

Delaware, USA

Spotted on Jun 12, 2013
Submitted on Jun 21, 2013

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