Sternotherus odoratus

(Latreille, 1802)

Vernacular names
English : Common musk turtle
French : Tortue musquée commune

Classification
Class : Reptilia
Order : Testudines
Family : Kinosternidae
Notes : No subspecies known.

Identification
One of the smallest aquatic turtle species growing to 14 cm in length. Smooth domed shell, large head. Coloration dark olive brown, yellowish on belly. Yellow bands and stripes running from elongated snout to neck.

Range and habitat
The species occurs in north America, from south and east Canada in Quebec and Ontario to most of eastern USA, west to Texas, south to Florida. Lives in freshwater lakes, ponds, rivers, marshes and artificial waterbodies.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : LEAST CONCERN
CITES : Appendix II
Status : The species is very common to locally abundant in suitable habitat. It is occasionally caught for the trade but this isn’t considered a threat.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation

 

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