Meet the Turtles

LITTLE BOTTOM WALKERS
​Three different small species can be found walking on the bottom of the river or a spring. They are sometimes mistaken for small snapping turtles, but they are small species that do not get bigger than a human fist.

Loggerhead Musk Turtle
Sternotherus minor 

ID:

• big head with dark spots
• carapace length*: female 5.0" (128mm); male 5.2" (131mm)

Habitat: river and springs
Diet: carnivore, specializing in snails, crayfish and insects
Nesting season: September - July

• diurnal and nocturnal
• basks rarely
• threatened by collection for the pet trade
• possession limit of 2 individuals [Rule 68A-25.002(9)]

Loggerhead Musk Turtle

plastron

hatchling

Stinkpot/ Common Musk TurtleCommon Musk Turtle
Sternotherus odoratus 
ID:

• 2 yellow lines between eye and nostril
• carapace length*: female 3.3" (83mm); male 3.4" (86mm)

Habitat: rare in river and springs
Diet: omnivore
Nesting season: February - June

• diurnal and nocturnal
• basks occasionally

Stinkpot / Common Musk Turtle

plastron

hatchling

Striped Mud Turtle
Kinosternon baurii 
ID:

• 2 hinges on plastron
• 3 light stripes on carapace
• yellow stripes between eye and nostril
• carapace length*: female 4.9" (124mm); male 4.3 (110mm)

Habitat: rare in springs and river
Diet: omnivore
Nesting season: All months except mid-summer

• diurnal and nocturnal
• basks more than other mud and musk turtles

Striped Mud Turtle

plastron

​* Carapace length listed is longest recorded in Santa Fe River

​© Copyright 2020 Santa Fe River Turtle Project