Details
Sternotherus odoratus
The common musk turtle is a small aquatic turtle of eastern North America. When threatened, it can release a strong musky odor, earning the name stinkpot.
Map: Ecoregions 2017 © RESOLVE (CC BY 4.0) · Natural Earth (PD)
It ranges from southeastern Canada through much of the eastern United States. Shallow ponds, marshes, slow streams and muddy wetlands with woody debris are typical.
Adults are 8-14 cm long and about 150-600 g. A high dark shell, small plastron and fine yellow head stripes are key field marks.
It often walks along the bottom at night and may bask on logs or banks. It is not a powerful swimmer, but it can climb surprisingly well.
This omnivore eats mollusks, insects, worms, small fish, carrion and aquatic plants. It forages by nosing through mud and debris.
Females nest on land in spring or summer and lay small clutches of eggs. Nests are placed in soil, humus or rotting wood near water.
The species is common overall, but wetland degradation and road mortality affect northern and local populations. Its small size has made it familiar in captivity.
