Razor-backed Musk Turtle
Sternotherus carinatus
With a brown-colored hard shell on its back accompanied by black markings at the edges of each sides of the external plate, the razor-backed musk turtle grows to a length…
How to identify
With a brown-colored hard shell on its back accompanied by black markings at the edges of each sides of the external plate, the razor-backed musk turtle grows to a length of about 5.9 inches. Its carapace is distinct and a scute with a sharp keep right through the center of its length. It had a grey-brown body and head with black spotting. Another feature of the Sternotherus Carinatus is the long neck with sharp beak and short legs. The females usually possess shorter tails than the males. This species has a small plastron and a single hinge located at the anterior. It is known to lack guilar scute with barbel present only on its chin.
Range
The range of the razor-backed musk turtle is the Sounthern United States which includes the states of Alabama, Arkansas, Mississippi, Oklahoma, Texas, Louisiana and Florida.
Habitat
The razor-backed musk turtle spends most of its time in shallow aquatic water, creeks, ponds or streams that are heavily vegetated. It is found only on land during periods when the females lay eggs. Sternotherus Carinatus feeds on aquatic invertebrates, crayfish, snails and various insects, fish and carrion.
Similar species
Sternotherus Depressus or flattened musk turtle possesses a straight carapace that is 3.0-3.9 inches in length when fully grown. It has an upper shell that is much lower and flatter than other members of the genus Sternotherus. Sternotherus Minor or loggerhead musk turtle has an unusual large head with the length of the carapace being about 3.5 inches. Its throat lacks barbels as it is present only on chins. Sternotherus Odoratus or Common musk turtle is usually black, grey or brown in color, its carapace grows to a length of 2.0-2.5 inches and weighs 1.3291 pounds. It has short legs and long necks with yellow stripes on the neck.
Name and etymology
Carinatus: Latin for keeled or keel shaped rige.
At a glance
Size
10.2 to 11.7 cm
Range
The range of the razor-backed musk turtle is the Sounthern United States which includes the states of Alabama, Arkansas, Miss…
Habitat
The razor-backed musk turtle spends most of its time in shallow aquatic water, creeks, ponds or streams that are heavily vege…
Range map
Approximate range. © Mapbox © OpenStreetMap