Common Musk Turtle
ExploreReptiles
Common Musk Turtle
Sternotherus odoratus
The Common Musk Turtle is a small turtle that can produce a smelly musk when it feels scared. They are very good at swimming and love to munch on plants!
Habitat: Ponds, marshes, and slow-moving rivers
Appearance
The Common Musk Turtle is a small turtle with a smooth, dark, dome-shaped shell often covered in algae. It has two distinct yellowish stripes on its head and neck. Its underside is small and fleshy.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassTestudinesOrderTestudinesFamilyKinosternidaeGenusSternotherus
Category
ReptilesRarity
Common
Danger
2/5 · Low
Snaps
4
Interesting facts
Their small bottom shell gives them surprising flexibility for climbing.
These turtles rarely leave the water, even to bask in the sun.
They can breathe underwater through special tissues in their mouth!
They sometimes climb out onto low branches to sunbathe!
Special abilities
Ability
Underwater Walker
Common Musk Turtle has powerful legs that help them walk along the bottom of ponds instead of just swimming.
Ability
Jaw Crusher
Common Musk Turtle has strong jaws that help them crush the shells of snails and other hard-bodied prey.
Measurements & details
- Length
- 5-14 cm
- Weight
- 0.1-0.3 kg
- Lifespan
- 10-50 years
- Top Speed
- 0.5 km/h
- Swim Speed
- 1.5 km/h
- Clutch Size
- 1-9
- Incubation
- 60-100 days
- Maximum Depth
- 2 m
Diet & Feeding
This turtle is an omnivore, eating insects, snails, worms, and some aquatic plants.
Age differences: Juveniles are more carnivorous; adults incorporate more plant matter.
Primary Foods
- snails
- aquatic insects
- worms
- small crustaceans
- algae
- aquatic plants
Foraging Method
- Foraging
Ecological connections
eats
Ramshorn Snail
Planorbarius corneus
An important food source for the turtle.
eats
Midge Larva
Chironomus plumosus
Preys on aquatic insect larvae in mud.
eaten by
Raccoon
Procyon lotor
Raccoons prey on turtle eggs and young hatchlings.
eaten by
Bald Eagle
Haliaeetus leucocephalus
Predatory birds might catch young turtles.
Traits
Wildlife
Wildlife encompasses all undomesticated animal and plant life existing in their natural habitats.
Solitary
Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care.
Herbivorous
This trait characterizes organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of plant material.
Ancient Lineage
This trait signifies organisms belonging to a very old evolutionary group with ancestors dating back millions of years.
Longevous
This trait characterizes organisms with an exceptionally long lifespan compared to others of their kind.
Armored
Armored describes animals protected by a hard, external covering or shell for defense.
Freshwater
Freshwater habitats include non-saline aquatic environments such as rivers, lakes, ponds, and wetlands, vital for numerous species.
Nocturnal
Nocturnal animals are primarily active during the nighttime hours, typically resting or sleeping during the day.
Also known as
Musk TurtleStinkpot Turtle
Collections
Safety
Danger
2/5 · Low
Look but don’t touch. Keep a safe distance and wash hands after exploring.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is Common Musk Turtle?
5-14 cm
How much does Common Musk Turtle weigh?
0.1-0.3 kg
How long does Common Musk Turtle live?
10-50 years
How fast can Common Musk Turtle move?
0.5 km/h
What does Common Musk Turtle eat?
This turtle is an omnivore, eating insects, snails, worms, and some aquatic plants.
How fast can Common Musk Turtle swim?
1.5 km/h
Where is Common Musk Turtle usually found?
Ponds, marshes, and slow-moving rivers
How does Common Musk Turtle hunt?
Foraging
Snap Map
Zoom in to split clusters and explore where this object has been snapped.
Loading map…
