Musk and Mud Turtles (Kinosternidae)

 

Musk and Mud Turtles (Kinosternidae)

As the name implies, some of these turtles will release a strong scent when disturbed. They have paired glands on either side of the body, just inside where the bridge connects the carapace and plastron. Although they may bask, our two Kinosternids are primarily aquatic. A good way to tell the difference between mud and musk turtles is by looking at the plastron. In eastern mud turtles (Kinosternon subrubrum), the plastron is relatively large with 2 hinges. Our eastern musk turtle (Sternotherus odoratus), formerly called the stinkpot, has a much reduced plastron with only 1 hinge.​

​	​Striped Mud Turtle (Kinosternon baurii) Photo courtesy of Brenda and Jim Bardsley
​	​Eastern Mud Turtle (Kinosternon subrubrum) Photo courtesy of Mark Tegges
​	​​​Eastern Musk Turtle (Sternotherus odoratus) Photo courtesy of John White