Sonoran Mud Turtle

Range

This species of turtle is found in The United States in southeastern and sub-Mogollon Rim central Arizona and New Mexico county and Chihuahua and Sonora in Mexico.

Habitats

This mud turtle is diurnal and is usually found in creeks, rocky streams and rivers, ponds, ditches and cattle tanks. The diet of this species includes primarily carnivorous, snails, frogs, fish and carrion. It mates in water during the spring period and lays up to 11 brittle-shelled eggs per clutch in an underground nest.

Identification

The Sonoran mud turtle is a small with a shell up to 7 inches in length. The shell is dome-shaped and has a coloration of olive or gray-brown. The top part of the carapace(shell) has three mild lengthwise keels. The underside is also of a yellow-brown color and has two hinges which allows the front and back to close when the turtle retreats inside. The Kinosternon sonoriense has small, fleshy projections on its throat. There are yellow or cream reticulations on the head and neck on a dark olive background. This markings on the neck and head of this turtle distinguishes this species from other mud turtle.

Learn more with Schechter Natural History's Guide to Reptiles and Amphibians