Intermediate Musk Turtle
Sternotherus intermedius
Sternotherus intermedius has a dark spotted head with some striping on the sides of the neck. It has single or paired gular scutes
How to identify
Sternotherus intermedius has a dark spotted head with some striping on the sides of the neck. It has single or paired gular scutes
Range
Sternotherus intermedius can be found in the greater Choctawhatchee and Escambia River drainages in southern Alabama and the Florida panhandle.
Habitat
Aquatic. Found in springs, streams, rivers, and other clean fresh bodies of water. Typically found underwater, on bottom, sometimes up to 20 feet deep. Occasionally can be seen basking on tree branches above water. Only terrestrial when nesting.
Similar species
Sternotherus intermedius was once grouped with S. peltifer and S. minor. It can be difficult to distinguish as its spotting and striping pattern falls inbetween S. peltifer and S. minor
Name and etymology
Genus
Sternotherus
Greek for hinged (thairos) chest (sterno).
Origin
Sources
- Gray, 1825. Ann. Philos., N.S., Vol. 10, Sept. p. 211
Sternotherus. Gray, 1825 - Ann. Philos., N.S., Vol. 10, Sept. p. 211
Species epithet
intermedius
Latin for intermediate referencing it as a intermediate form between S. peltifer and S. minor.
Origin
Sources
- Wikipedia: Sternotherus intermedius ↗
“Sternotherus intermedius.” Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Intermediate_musk_turtle
Explore more names in the etymology index.
At a glance
Range
Sternotherus intermedius can be found in the greater Choctawhatchee and Escambia River drainages in southern Alabama and the…
Habitat
Aquatic. Found in springs, streams, rivers, and other clean fresh bodies of water. Typically found underwater, on bottom, som…
Guide
Reptiles and Amphibians of North America
Range map
Approximate range. © Mapbox © OpenStreetMap