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Common Musk Turtle

Sternotherus odoratus

Photo by ConorSheaWing
Published on Project Noah
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39.6254, -75.7029

Field Notes

Description:

Commonly confused with the Eastern Mud Turtle and Common Snapping Turtle, Common Musk Turtles have thin yellow stripes along their faces and down to their necks. This hatchling is about the size of a quarter if not smaller.

Habitat:

Found while fishing in my favorite spot. He was cruising near the shore for minnows.

Notes:

I enjoy seeing these guys all the time.

Species ID Suggestions

Common Musk Turtle

Sternotherus odoratus

Reference Link
NeilDazet
2

Comments (6)
ConorSheaWing
Oh wow my whole life I was told they were Eastern Muds! I didn't know there were Muds and Musks.. This one IS a Musk Turtle though, I've caught adults that have to face stripe in the same area.
NeilDazet
Regarding my Suggested ID, the common musk turtle hatchlings have the light yellow lines on their head. The eastern mud turtle hatchling has no lines on head (Peterson field guide). Nice spotting!
TylerGraden
Gotta love those little dudes. It's hard to imagine how small they really are until you hold one.
AshleyT
Oh my gosh so tiny and cute!

Spotted for Missions

Mission
Reptiles of the World
Mission
NWF: Watch for Wildlife!
Mission
Wildlife of Northeastern USA
Mission
Reptiles of the East U.S.
Mission
Delaware Wildlife

Tags

Photographed
PublishedJune 21, 2013

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