| Sternotherus | |
|---|---|
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| Sternotherus odoratus common musk turtle, hatchling |
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| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Subphylum: | Vertebrata |
| Class: | Reptilia |
| Order: | Testudines |
| Suborder: | Cryptodira |
| Superfamily: | Kinosternoidea |
| Family: | Kinosternidae |
| Subfamily: | Kinosterninae |
| Genus: | Sternotherus Gray, 1825[1] |
Sternotherus is a genus of aquatic turtles known commonly as musk turtles, which are endemic to North America. This genus is closely related to the genus Kinosternon.[2] The most common species of Sternotherus in most of North America is Sternotherus odoratus, the common musk turtle or stinkpot; that entry has more information on the ecology of this group of turtles.
Geographic range[edit]
The genus occurs in southern Canada, as well as the United States and Mexico.
Description[edit]
They are very similar to the American mud turtles, but tend to have a more domed carapace, with a distinctive keel down the center of it. Sternotherus odoratus typically grows to only 8–14 cm (3–5½ inches) in carapace length at full maturity, with females often being larger than males.
Diet[edit]
All musk turtles are carnivorous, consuming various aquatic invertebrates, fish, and carrion.
Behavior[edit]
They are a highly aquatic genus. But some, like the common musk turtle, are known to bask on fallen trees and coarse woody debris on shorelines.[2]
Species[edit]
- Sternotherus carinatus (Gray, 1855) - razorback musk turtle
- Sternotherus depressus Tinkle & Webb, 1955 - flattened musk turtle
- Sternotherus minor (Agassiz, 1857) - loggerhead musk turtle
- Sternotherus odoratus (Latreille, 1801) - common musk turtle or stinkpot
References[edit]
External links[edit]
- Walker, Matt. "Turtle 'super tongue' lets reptile survive underwater," BBC Earth News, 20 May 2010.
- Genus Sternotherus at The Reptile Database
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