Eastern Mud Turtle

Kinosternon subrubrum

The Eastern Mud Turtle is a small turtle that loves to dig in the mud. They are very good at hiding from other animals!

Habitat: Mud flats and swamps

Appearance

The Eastern Mud Turtle is a small turtle with a smooth, dark brown to olive-black shell. It has a light yellowish plastron and two distinct yellowish lines on either side of its head. Its appearance helps it blend into muddy environments.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassTestudinesOrderTestudinesFamilyKinosternidaeGenusKinosternon

Eastern Mud Turtle

Interesting facts

A mud turtle can live longer than your parents, sometimes over 30 years!

These turtles can often survive living in slightly salty, brackish water.

They can walk on the bottom of ponds instead of always swimming!

They have a super strong sense of smell to find hidden food underwater.

Special abilities

Eastern Mud Turtle can release a foul-smelling musk that helps deter predators when it feels threatened.

Eastern Mud Turtle has a hinged plastron that helps it partially close its shell for protection.

Eastern Mud Turtle can burrow into mud and estivate, helping it survive long dry periods.

Measurements & details

Length: 7.5-12.5 cm
Weight: 0.1-0.3 kg
Lifespan: 20-30 years
Top Speed: 1 km/h
Swim Speed: 1.5 km/h
Clutch Size: 1-6
Incubation: 75-100 days
Max Depth: 2 m

Diet & Feeding

An omnivore, it eats small insects, worms, snails, and aquatic plants found in mud.

Primary Foods

Aquatic insects
Small snails
Worms
Tadpoles
Algae
Aquatic plants

Foraging Method

Foraging

Ecological connections

eaten by

Raccoon

Procyon lotor

Raccoons often prey on turtle eggs and young hatchlings.

eaten by

Great Blue Heron

Ardea herodias

Large wading birds can snatch small turtles from shallow water.

eats

Allegheny Crayfish

Cambarus bartonii

Actively forages for small crustaceans like crayfish.

eats

Common Earthworm

Lumbricus terrestris

Eats various worms and other soft-bodied invertebrates.

Traits

Wildlife

Step into the incredible world of wild animals and plants living freely in nature. From tiny insects to towering trees, it's all part of the wild wonders around us!

Webbed Feet

These animals have special feet with skin between their toes, which helps them swim super fast!

Omnivorous

Meet versatile eaters who enjoy a wide variety of foods, from plants to other animals, allowing them to adapt to many different environments. They're nature's flexible diners!

Burrowing

Dig deep and discover animals that build amazing homes underground! They create tunnels and chambers to stay safe, find food, or escape the weather.

Camouflaged

Look closely for animals that are masters of disguise, blending perfectly into their surroundings! Their colors and patterns help them hide from others.