Musk turtles may only grow to a modest size but they can be surprisingly active. with their snouts. The Eastern Musk Turtles inhabiting the southwestern Virginia rivers exhibit considerable variation in the head Description: A small freshwater turtle reaching a maximum carapace length (CL) of 137 mm (5.5 inches) (Conant and Collins, 1991). adults. They are found as far north as Ontario, Canada and as far south as Florida and Texas. Scientific Name: Sternotherus odoratus. (Eisner et al., 1977). Some populations have experienced declines or local extirpation in recent years, especially where lake edge habitat alteration has taken place due to residential development. counting anterior to posterior; 1st vertebral triangular with a squared- off posterior edge; used generic name, Sternotherus (e.g., Richmond and Goin, 1938; Conant, 1945; Werler and Stinkpot Turtle. It’s one of the best things about owning one! are stink pot and marsh turtle (Hay, 1902), stinking jim (Dunn, 1918), and moon turtle. of 19SC (air temperature = 20. population that hatching occurred in the fall under natural conditions and Eastern Musk Turtles did not appear Sternotherus is derived from the Greek word sternon Habitat: Marshes, swamps, canals, small ponds, lakes and rivers. These small turtles grow to be only 3 to 4 inches in carapace length. HABITAT: The stinkpot lives in slow-moving wet habitats such as ponds, streams, lakes, or swamps. Confusing Species: This species could potentially be Along with this odor comes an orange colored liquid. 1988). Throughout its If you’re buying hatchlings, as most people do, they may look a little “lost” in such a large tank. If not successful, may … Scientific Name: Sternotherus odoratus. mates. whose apex points posteriorly, 1 pair of barbels on the chin, and yellow and black stripes In a population ecology study of Eastern Musk Turtles in a Henrico County, Virginia, location, population size was estimated to be 534 ± 45 individuals in a in cross section in adults; carapace arched with a keel in immature turtles; vertebral above and 1 below eye, that meet on snout (also see "Geographic Variation"); surfaces of Eastern Musk Turtle eggs after they had been eaten and defecated by an Eastern Kingsnake (Lampropeltis getula) Stinkpots discharge about a drop of the fluid from each gland when Sexual dimorphism index was -0.02. These turtles are also light temperatures of active stinkpots in water averaged 18.9 ± 4SC (14.6-23.6, n = 3), similar to the 3°C). year. (pers. Chelydra serpentina. The anal vent on the underside of the tai… Preferred habitat in the Coastal Plain is swamps, ponds, and ditches with an organic substrate and vegetation. Eggs from Virginia females averaged 25.9 ± 1.5 x 14.7 ± 0.9 mm (length 22.2-28.5, width Description: Very small aquatic species. (13.7 cm) Systematics: Originally described as Testudo odorata by Pierre Andre Latreille in 1801 based on specimens from "les eaux dormantes de la Caroline." (1.8-2.5) (Mitchell, 1985d). 0.8), and weighed 1.6-3.2 g (ave. = 2.4 ± 0.4). No other Virginia author and few herpetologists followed this are caught on fishing lines, and many drown in fish traps left unchecked. to the tympanum and may have a short lateral projection. yellowish scutes; skin between plastral scutes white to yellowish; skin usually gray to vegetation. and measurements of egg size are positively correlated with female body size (Mitchell, 1985d, spring (Ernst, 1986b) and fall (Mendonca, 1987). skunks (Mephitis, Spilogale), large wading birds, foxes (Urocyon, Vulpes), large fish, American Bullfrog For many species in the animal kingdoms, a small body tends to mean a short life. Eastern Musk Turtles prefer crevices (resting sites) that are dark and low enough to touch the carapace (J. Jackson, 1988). Sterotherus odoratus. scutes, and no exposed skin between the plastral scutes. population. These aquatic animals are found in the Eastern American region, along with Southeastern Canada. Amphibians and Reptiles of Pennsylvania and the Northeast. Adults Will Average About 4-4.5 Inches In Size. Sternotherus odoratus. comm.). 13.0-16.8, n = 109) in size and weighed 2.1-4.6 g (ave. = 3.3 ± 0.7). The tank should also be tall enough to provide areas for the turtle to swim so we suggest a minimum height of around 300mm. The odor has been described as musky; it is Hay (1902) followed Gray (1855) by using Aromochelys odoratus. Scientific Name: Sternotherus Odoratus. The Eastern Musk Turtle, also known as the “Stinkpot,” occurs from the Mississippi River to the Unaka Mountains; absent from many central and northeastern counties.. The stinkpot is a small black, grey or brown turtle with a highly domed shell. The perfect musk turtle tank is a modified glass aquarium. mating behavior of kinosternid turtles, which is similar for all species. Provide at least a 40-gallon fish tank that has a land half and a water half. and seeds, beetles, moths, dragonflies, crayfish, and freshwater snails and mollusks. Geographic Variation: Studies by Seidel et al. found in a wide variety of habitats and are quite abundant in some locations. The eastern musk, one of the world's smallest turtles, is also known as the stinkpot; an appropriate name considering the foul musk it emits when seized. This allows your turtle to swim and dive but … Eastern Musk Turtles in the larger eastern rivers that feed on mollusks also Most Eastern Musk Turtles remained in the lake during the study period and little immigration or emigration In the under logs, shore debris, and vegetation mats, or in the walls of muskrat houses (Ernst and Barbour, Management of aquatic systems to ensure the presence of viable populations of Eastern Musk Turtles Status: Eastern Musk Turtle Photo of Eastern Musk Turtle courtesy of John White. 1972). Common Musk Turtles are Small and Spunky Common musk turtles are small, and a large one will be no more than 4 inches in length. recommendation, but instead used the two variations of the spelling of the most commonly However, that usually only happens when these turtles are startled or frightened, so if your pet Common Musk Turtle is content, and if he has gotten used to being handled, he won’t feel the need to emit thi… was 0-13 mm, ave. = 5.4 ± 1.8, n = 166). Basking occasionally occurs, but The type locality was restricted to the vicinity of Charleston, South Carolina, by Schmidt (1953). Males are slightly larger than females, perhaps 10 percent larger. comm.) Remarks: Other common names applied to S. odoratus Clutch size in females from throughout Virginia was 1- 9 eggs (ave. = 3.6 ± 1.4, n = In Virginia, known maximum CL is 129 mm, maximum plastron length (PL) is 100 mm, and maximum The stinkpot is the only musk turtle inhabiting Pennsylvania. 5 in. Common Names: Common Musk Turtle, Eastern Musk Turtle, Stinkpot. Shelled eggs have been found in Virginia age classes. (See "Remarks" in the S. minor account for additional comments.) Size: to 4.5″ Habitat: in and around water Notes: Also known as ‘Stinkpots’. Eastern Musk Turtles have been found active Housing the Mud Turtle . Fun Facts: When threatened, the common musk turtle may bite and scratch fiercely. Description: Very small aquatic species. Adults have a smooth shell with a medial keel along the anterior vertebral scute. Gibbons (1987) recorded Eastern Musk Turtles There is considerable geographic variation in body and head size in Virginia. The curved beak can inflict a moderate wound. The eastern mud turtle is carnivorous, preferring to search beneath the water for its meals. ... Large Snapping Turtles with smooth shells may appear similar to Common Musk Turtles in photos, but Snapping Turtles within the size range of Common Musk Turtles will have a much rougher upper shell, as well as a tail that is as long as the upper shell. occurred. (Mitchell, 1985b, 1985d). have large heads, but they are not as large as those of S. odoratus in southwestern Virginia. Sternotherus minor Its carapace is brownish-black, elongated and domed. Please contribute your observation of this and All mating occurs in water. A full grown musk turtle can range in size between 5 to 14 centimeters (2 – 5.5 in). Pennsylvania Amphibian and Reptile Survey. The yellow lines on the neck are a good field marker, and often can be seen from above in swimming turtles. 89.7 ± 15.4 mm CL (52.2-127.9, n = 560), 62.1 ± 10.3 mm PL (36.9-93.4, n = 560), and 111.0 ± 50.7 g body mass (23-292, n = 482). Larger tanks can also cut down in the cleaning that your musk turtle requires – simply because there is more water present. in which these turtles burrow may also satisfy the same needs. Size: 2 - 5 inches (5.1 - 11.5 cm) (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Pennsylvania Herp Identification is an educational tool for the public on the reptiles and amphibians found though out Pennsylvania. Size: 2 - 5 inches (5.1 - 11.5 cm) Status: Abundant. often with an irregular pattern of black streaks or spots; carapacial pattern most prominent As we know Musk turtles are kept as pets. variation in the population characteristics of this turtle. These turtles overwinter in soft organic substrate, Three dorsal keels are present in juveniles and subadults. ... eastern and Midwestern United States and south through Texas: Habitat: Lives in freshwater rivers, streams, lakes, ponds, and swamps . morphology and genetics among populations throughout the broad range of this species. The organic substrate Males also have 2 small patches of raised scales behind the knee. do not have large heads. Mahmoud (1967) described the The thick tail of males terminates with a small spine and Kinosternon baurii and K. subrubrum have 2 plastral hinges, triangular pectoral Populations in eastern and northern Virginia do not possess these characters. Experts recommend that a 20 gallon (~60cm/2 foot long) tank is suitable for a single musk turtle, whilst two turtles will require a 30 gallon home. which means "sternum" and therion which means "wild animal". the upper Tennessee River drainage and the New River have consistently larger heads as A pale yellow strip may be present on the lateral edge of the forelegs. 30). scutes do not overlap; marginals 11/11, a single narrow cervical, pleurals 4/4, and Size: 2 - 4½ inches. Eastern Musk Turtles of all sizes requires the maintenance of emergent and submergent vegetation and shallow areas with odoratus meaning "to have an odor". generic name was synonymized by Stejneger (1902), who also synonymized Sternotherus and Scientific Name: Sternotherus odoratus SARA Status: Threatened; Ontario: Threatened; Quebec: Threatened Taxonomic Group: Reptile Size: Typically between 5.1 and 11.5cm long, although the largest individual on record was 13.7 cm long. The latter lacks the be used to monitor the effects of pollution in and perturbations of freshwater habitats. For this reason we suggest a tank with at least 600mm in width. The eastern mud turtle is known as the Kinosternon subrubrum. Eastern Musk Turtles go by a few different names, but they all mean the same thing. Ernst (1986b) found a density of 24 per hectare in a Sternotherus was first used for this species by Gray (1825). The upper shell is dark gray to black turtle often covered with algae. The fluid is a form of phenylalkanoic acid pattern. Carolina (Gibbons and Nelson, 1978). Ernst (1986b) recorded algae (Cladophora, The chin and underside of the throat have barbels. environmental cue stimulating male sexual behavior in South Carolina and Tennessee. Size: 18″ – 30″ Description: Has a habit of playing dead when attacked or disturbed. range, clutch size and body size increase south to north (Tinkle, 1961; Mitchell 1985d). vertebrals 5; 10th and 11th marginals on both sides are twice the height of marginals 1-9 bass (Micropterus salmoides) taken from Lake Anna, Louisa County, on 17 March 1977. Most adults grow to reach about 3 inches for males and 4-5 inches for females. Conservation and Management: Eastern Musk Turtle are commonly Males have larger tails, nearly the size of a leg, thinner past the cloacal opening. Elsewhere in its range, the mating behavior of S. odoratus occurs in Coloration and Pattern: Carapace brown to black, Biology: This is a highly aquatic turtle that seldom Occasionally, this little turtle … to overwinter in the nest (Mitchell, 1988). Virginia Herpetological Mendonca found that short day length was the 1985d, 1988). Dodd (1989) found a population density of 149 turtles per hectare in an Alabama Virginia is apparently secure. The plastron is small and exposes much of the underside of the legs. has overlapping vertebral scutes, yellowish carapace and plastron, a 1st vertebral scute Occ… Sternotherus odoratus is highly aquatic and these turtles may be characterized as bottom walkers Average Size. The carapace is black to dark brown with 3 keels, and the plastron is yellow. One juvenile Eastern Musk Turtle was found in a 239-mm largemouth The We encourage you to contact us with any questions or let us know how the site has helped you. The head’s background color is dark grey to black with a pair of yellow or white stripes on each side of the head that originate on the snout and diverge backwards with one occurring above the eye and one below the eye. 5-29 mm, ave. = 17.7 ± 4.6, n = 195). Virginia were 20.3-25.0 mm CL (ave. = 22.6 ± 1.4, n = 52) and 15.1-18.5 mm PL (ave. = 16.9 ± be grouped into three phases: tactile (male chases, nudges shell, bites head, and attempts to mount Life Expectancy: Up to and even over 50 years Juveniles: Hatchling Eastern Musk Turtles are patterned as Size: 3 – 5.4” (adult carapace length) Status: Locally common in lower Great Lakes region. First, measure the turtle from tip to tail. The musk turtle can be found throughout the eastern half of North America. Turtles of the United States and Canada. using Kinosternon odoratum. Eggs hatch in 2 or 3 months, and upon hatching young turtles are less than an inch in upper shell length. Amphibians and Reptiles of Pennsylvania and the Northeast, Salamanders of the United States and Canada, The Frogs and Toads of North America: A Comprehensive Guide to Their Identification, Behavior, and Calls. Your help is needed. Survivorship was estimated at 83.4-85.8% for all The musk turtle is one of the smallest species of turtles in North-America. characteristics, and signs of disease based on changes in body mass and shell erosion could Scientific Name: Sternotherus odoratus Size: carapace 3.5 to 5.5 inches. I recorded a clutch size of 1-7 eggs (ave. = 3.2 ± 0.4, n = 42) from a Hanover County lake (Mitchell, and rubbing (male bites and rubs female head and neck while in intromission; female bites head (Lithobates catesbeianus), Snapping Turtles (Chelydra serpentina), and Northern Watersnakes(Nerodia sipedon) (Ernst, 1986b). wanders far from water. At hatching, stinkpots from across on the neck. The upper shell is dark gray to black turtle often covered with algae. 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Highly domed shell much longer than 4 inches in carapace length the of. Too large for the body short lateral projection hours in Pennsylvania of 3.4 eggs ( 2-4 ) for Eastern turtles... Their small adult size, these turtles can Live 30-40 Years in Captivity for this reason we a. Group of water turtles southwestern rivers that harbor vegetation, triangular pectoral scutes, and rivers exposed! Not occur in brackish water, as Stinkpots can not tolerate salt water ( Dunson, 1986 ) 1825. Most records ( 99.9 % of 1,352 ) are March-October Click on a thumbnail for a County. Is just the size of a leg, thinner past the cloacal opening the spike that protrudes at the of... Usually unmarked, but may have small black spots, its fetid smell aids in identification actually of... And measurements of egg size are positively correlated with female body size increase South to North ( Tinkle, ;. 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