Sonoran Mud Turtle
Kinosternon sonoriense
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 carapac…
How to identify
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.
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.
Habitat
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.
Variations
Sonora mud turtle or Kinosternon sonoriense sonoriense has an olive-green carapace with no spots or markings on the body. It has a short tail and a webbed-feet with barbels on the throat
Similar species
The yellow mud turtle or Kinosternon flavescens has yellow-colored areas on its head, throat and the sides of the neck. The plastron or bottom shell of this species ranges from yellow to brown color and has two hinges, allowing the turtle to close each end separately. The striped mud turtle or Kinosternon baurii has three light-colored stripes that lies along the length of the smooth carapace. The Oaxaca mud turtle or Kinosternon oaxacae has a carapace that is slightly depressed with three distinctive longitudinal keels. The shell has a dark brown or blackish, or a mottling of the two.
Name and etymology
Sonoriense: Belong to the Sonoran.
At a glance
Range
This species of turtle is found in The United States in southeastern and sub-Mogollon Rim central Arizona and New Mexico coun…
Habitat
This mud turtle is diurnal and is usually found in creeks, rocky streams and rivers, ponds, ditches and cattle tanks. The die…
Guide
Reptiles and Amphibians of North America
Range map
Approximate range. © Mapbox © OpenStreetMap