Description
The mud turtles is a small, nondescript reptile, measuring 3-4 inches (7.5-10 cm). The shell of the mud turtles is usually smooth and dark brown or olive. It has only 11 marginal scutes (plates) rather than the 12 found on most turtles. The plastron (lower shell) is yellow to brown, double-hinged, with 11 plates. Males have a well-developed, blunt spine at the tip of the tail and rough scaly patches on the inside of the hind legs.mud turtles are easily distinguishable from sinilar musk turtles by looking at the underside of the shell (plastron). mud turtles have a large plastron with two moveable hinges. The head of the eastern mud turtles is often spotted but lacks the yellow or white stripesof the striped mud turtles and common musk turtles. Young mud turtles tend to be darker than the older individuals and hatchlings have reddish or orange blotches on the plastron.
Male mud turtles are generally larger than the female of the species, and have larger heads and thicker tails.The male’s tail has a blunt spine on the end, but the female’s tail does not.
mud turtles usually breed between March and May, and they can live to be over 50 years old, providing they can steer clear of predators. Mud and their close relatives the musk turtles (also known as stinkpots), can secrete a foul smelling fluid from their anal scent glands. mud turtles raised in captivity may never even use this defense mechanism, as it is only used as a last resort against predators in the wild.
Habitat
This turtles is semi-aquatic and hence spends more time on land than many other turtles. Any shallow waterway serves as an ideal environment, such as ponds, cattle tanks and lakes. They also commonly are found in canals, ditches and other slow-moving waterways; they have a distinct tolerance to brackish water.
Diet
mud turtles are omnivorous, but in general they prefer to eat insects, tadpoles, and fish. Special turtles food will also do in captivity. As it is with other pet turtles, a large tank is recommended, and you must provide a sizeable dry land area so the turtles can rest, and enough clean (not muddy) water for it to be able to enjoy an refreshing swim. Because of their smaller size, mud turtles are easier to accommodate indoors; however, if you decide to set up your mud turtles’s habitat outside the house, bear in mind that they, like the box turtles, like to hibernate. For this, the pen should have a sheltered and muddy area, as mud turtles will generally dig deep in the mud to hide during the winter months.
Life History
Like other turtles, the yellow mud turtles spends time basking in the sun. Although these turtles are aquatic, they often leave the water to find food, to nest, or even to migrate to another area if their home dries up.
Life History
Most of the life history information is based on studies conducted at the southern end of the range. Breeding occurs soon after the turtles leave hibernation, which in New York occurs from late April to May. In June, the female digs a 3-5 inch cavity in vegetative debris or in sandy loam soil, where she deposits 2-6 eggs. In the south, three clutches are typically laid each year, but in New York, one clutch is most likely. The eggs incubate for an average of 76 days, but may overwinter in the nest. Muskrat and beaver lodges are occasionally used as nest sites. Females reportedly reach sexual maturity in 5-8 years; males require only 4-7 years. In New York, though, sexual maturity may take 8-11 years.
Status
The mud turtles is the rarest species of turtles in New York. mud turtles are seen crossing roads, most likely in search of nest sites or water. turtles killed by passing cars are a very significant loss to populations. Draining wetlands for urban and industrial development has impacted populations, reducing the amount of suitable habitat. Upland nesting and hibernation sites have also been impacted by land clearing, development and fragmentation from road construction. Overcollecting for the illegal pet trade exploits adults necessary for sustaining populations.
Tags: mud turtles, musk turtles
