Eastern Mud Turtle
ExploreReptiles
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
Category
ReptilesRarity
Common
Danger
2/5 · Low
Snaps
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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
Ability
Musky Defender
Eastern Mud Turtle can release a foul-smelling musk that helps deter predators when it feels threatened.
Ability
Shell Closer
Eastern Mud Turtle has a hinged plastron that helps it partially close its shell for protection.
Ability
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
- Top 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
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
Wildlife encompasses all undomesticated animal and plant life existing in their natural habitats.
Webbed Feet
Characterized by having toes connected by a membrane, typically aiding in swimming.
Omnivorous
This trait identifies organisms whose diet includes both plant and animal matter.
Burrowing
Burrowing animals dig tunnels and chambers in the ground, using these subterranean structures for shelter, hunting, or breeding.
Camouflaged
Camouflaged describes organisms that possess coloring or patterns that allow them to blend into their environment.
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
Common Mud TurtleMud 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 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
How does Eastern Mud Turtle hunt?
Foraging
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