# 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! - **Category:** [Reptiles](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/reptile) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 2/5 · Low - **Snaps:** 10 - **Habitat:** Mud flats and swamps - **Also known as:** Common Mud Turtle, Mud Turtle ![Eastern Mud Turtle](https://res.cloudinary.com/drieglelr/image/upload/v1771425841/objects/5724.jpg) ## 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. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Chordata - **Class:** Testudines - **Order:** Testudines - **Family:** Kinosternidae - **Genus:** Kinosternon ## 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 - **Musky Defender:** Eastern Mud Turtle can release a foul-smelling musk that helps deter predators when it feels threatened. - **Shell Closer:** Eastern Mud Turtle has a hinged plastron that helps it partially close its shell for protection. - **Drought Dodger:** 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 - **Speed:** 1 km/h - **Swim Speed:** 1.5 km/h - **Clutch Size:** 1-6 - **Incubation:** 75-100 days - **Maximum 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](https://www.snappit.app/explore/raccoon) (*Procyon lotor*) — Raccoons often prey on turtle eggs and young hatchlings. - **Eaten by:** [Great Blue Heron](https://www.snappit.app/explore/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](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/wildlife): Wildlife encompasses all undomesticated animal and plant life existing in their natural habitats. - [Webbed Feet](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/webbed-feet): Characterized by having toes connected by a membrane, typically aiding in swimming. - [Omnivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/omnivorous): This trait identifies organisms whose diet includes both plant and animal matter. - [Burrowing](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/burrowing): Burrowing animals dig tunnels and chambers in the ground, using these subterranean structures for shelter, hunting, or breeding. - [Camouflaged](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/camouflaged): Camouflaged describes organisms that possess coloring or patterns that allow them to blend into their environment. - [Armored](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/armored): Armored describes animals protected by a hard, external covering or shell for defense. - [Freshwater](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/freshwater): Freshwater habitats include non-saline aquatic environments such as rivers, lakes, ponds, and wetlands, vital for numerous species. - [Nocturnal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/nocturnal): Nocturnal animals are primarily active during the nighttime hours, typically resting or sleeping during the day. ## Collections - [Reptiles](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/reptiles) - [Reptiles & Amphibians](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/reptiles-and-amphibians) ## Safety **Danger:** 2/5 · Low Look but don’t touch. Keep a safe distance and wash hands after exploring. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify Eastern Mud Turtle? Compare shell shape, shell markings, head stripes and the shape of the feet. Wear, age and algae can hide shell patterns. Turtle Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details. ### How long is Eastern Mud Turtle? 7.5-12.5 cm ### How much does Eastern Mud Turtle weigh? 0.1-0.3 kg ### How long does Eastern Mud Turtle live? 20-30 years ### How fast can Eastern Mud Turtle move? 1 km/h ### What does Eastern Mud Turtle eat? An omnivore, it eats small insects, worms, snails, and aquatic plants found in mud. ### How fast can Eastern Mud Turtle swim? 1.5 km/h ### Where is Eastern Mud Turtle usually found? Mud flats and swamps ## Where to spot - [Battle Creek Cypress Swamp Sanctuary](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/battle-creek-cypress-swamp-sanctuary) — Maryland, US · Nature Reserve - [Savannah–Ogeechee Canal](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/savannah-ogeechee-canal) — Georgia, US · Historic Site - [Dewey W. Wills Wildlife Management Area](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/dewey-w-wills-wildlife-management-area) — Louisiana, US · Nature Reserve - [Academy Grove Historic District](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/academy-grove-historic-district) — Maryland, US · Historic District - [Batona Trail](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/batona-trail) — New Jersey, US · Trail - [Bellport Village Historic District](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/bellport-village-historic-district) — New York, US · Historic District [View all places to see Eastern Mud Turtle](https://www.snappit.app/guides/where-to-see/eastern-mud-turtle) ## More Reptiles - [Pond Slider](https://www.snappit.app/explore/pond-slider) (*Trachemys scripta*) - [Western Fence Lizard](https://www.snappit.app/explore/western-fence-lizard) (*Sceloporus occidentalis*) - [Common Five-lined Skink](https://www.snappit.app/explore/common-five-lined-skink) (*Plestiodon fasciatus*) - [Desert Spiny Lizard](https://www.snappit.app/explore/desert-spiny-lizard) (*Sceloporus magister*) --- Source: [Eastern Mud Turtle: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-mud-turtle)