How big does a striped mud turtle get?
They are really tiny as hatchlings, measuring only about an inch in diameter, and will only grow up to 5 inches in size as adults. Striped Mud Turtles and other Mud Turtles have been at the center of a debate about if they should be merged into a single genus.
How do turtles breathe in the mud?
Turtles spend the winter dug into the mud at the bottom of a pond or stream. But how do they breathe? Snapping turtles can take up some oxygen from the water across the skin lining the throat. Others, like painted turtles, have altered their metabolism to survive without oxygen.
How big does a common musk turtle get?
Musk turtles can reach sizes between 5 and 7 inches in length and can weigh between 2 and 3 pounds. The size of a musk turtle is determined by a lot of factors, the most important being: age, diet, gender, habitat, and UV light.
How big can red ear slider turtles get?
So, how big do red eared slider turtles get? A fully grown red eared slider can grow up to 12 inches in length. These are mostly females. Females are slightly larger than the male. A fully grown make can grow up to 9 inches. Rarely will you find a red-eared slider turtle grown past that 12 inches size?
How big do mud turtles get?
Rarely growing to be over five inches long, mud turtles are aquatic turtles that are small and compact. Their care requirements are similar to other aquatic turtles, but unlike some of their relatives, they are semi-terrestrial.
Can you keep a mud turtle as a pet?
Mud turtles are small, omnivorous turtles that prefer sandy, wet, and muddy areas to live. They also make excellent pets and are easily kept both indoors and out.
How long does an Eastern mud turtle live?
Even after hatchlings emerge from their eggs in late Summer they remain underground until the following Spring. LIFE SPAN: The average lifespan in the wild is currently unknown but it is up to 20 years in human care. STATUS: Endangered throughout parts of their range.
How long do eastern mud turtles live in captivity?
Eastern Mud Turtles reach maturity at about 4 to 8 years of ages. Captive individuals have lived up to 38 years. Eastern Mud Turtles are predominately bottom feeders. Their diet consists of a variety of insects, mollusks, tadpoles, crustaceans, carrion, and aquatic vegetation.
Do Eastern mud turtles bite?
Eastern mud turtles may sometimes bite and can deliver a painful nip with their sharp, hooked beak. Eastern mud turtles require shallow water and are not strong swimmers. They rarely bask, if ever.
How much do mud turtles cost?
Common mud turtle species include the eastern mud turtle, yellow mud turtle, and scorpion mud turtle. These North American turtles are easy to care for and are quite lively pets. Expect to pay $10 to $50.
How long can mud turtles stay out of water?
Turtles can usually stay out of water for around 8 hours. However, this depends on the environment of the land they are on. If the area has a cool temperature, a turtle can stay out of the water for a couple days. That being said, a turtle will run into serious digestion issues if they stay out of water too long.
What should I feed my mud turtle?
The key to a healthy turtle is variety in their diet. Small to medium sized fish (not goldfish), insects (crickets, earthworms, red worms), and snails are offered for the meat portion of their diet. Hatchlings are generally fed insects. Supplementation with commercially produced turtle pellets is recommended as well.
Can mud turtles eat fruit?
Mud turtles are omnivores, which means that they will eat fruits, vegetables, as well as meat, and insects.
How can you tell if a mud turtle is male or female?
The most common way to determine gender in a turtle is to look at the length of its tail. 3 Female turtles have short and skinny tails while males sport long, thick tails, with their vent (cloaca) positioned closer to the end of the tail when compared to a female.
Do mud turtles eat strawberries?
Your turtle can safely eat strawberries in small amounts without worry, and most of them will look forward to this special treat.
What do turtles like to play with?
ToysShells – Turtles love playing with empty shells. ... Rafts – Your turtle will also love it if you put a small raft or other floating objects in their tank. ... Small kid toys – Any brightly colored kid's toy can be a fun turtle toy, as long as there aren't any parts that can come off easily.More items...•
Are 3 striped mud turtles friendly?
Are Three-striped Mud Turtles friendly? They are very active and adorable, making them seem friendly, but they can be a little grouchy at times.
How do mud turtles live?
Within their range, mud turtles are semi-aquatic, though they often wander away from water in mid-summer. They can be found in fresh or brackish water, including marshes, small ponds, wet ditches and fields, and offshore islands. They prefer shallow, soft-bottomed, slow-moving water with abundant vegetation.
What do mud turtles eat?
Feeding/Diet: Eastern mud turtles are omnivorous. They are known to feed on crustaceans (such as crayfish), mollusks, aquatic insects, and seeds.
How long can a mud turtle stay underwater?
On average a mud turtle can comfortably stay underwater for 20 or 30 minutes under normal circumstances, and for up to 4 hours when they are sleeping.
How Big Do Mud Turtles Get?
Their petite size is one reason they’re popular as pets. During adulthood, almost all mud turtles are about 4-6 inches (around 10-15 cms) long in terms of carapace length.
How To Create An Ideal Mud Turtle Habitat?
People often confuse smaller sizes for lower maintenance needs – but it’s quite the opposite.
How big do mud turtles get?
How big do mud turtles get? Mud turtles can reach sizes between 3 and 5 inches in length, and can weight between 2 and 3 pounds.There are a lot of factors that will determine how big a turtle will get, here is a list of the most important factors:
How long does it take for a mud turtle to grow?
But as your turtle gets older, it can take anywhere from 12 to 18 months for it to grow another inch.
Why are galapagos tortoises so big?
And one of the reason why they get to be so big is that after they reach a certain size there are no predators around that can hurt them. So after a certain size they are able to grow even bigger without any effort, because there is basically nothing that can hurt them. So they can easily search for food without having to worry that something will attack them. They don’t have to look for a safe place to sleep, they can sleep anywhere because nothing can hurt them. The same principle also applies to the mud turtle to some extent.
Why are pet turtles bigger than wild turtles?
In general pet turtles tend to be bigger than wild turtles. This is because they have access to better conditions.
How do turtles get UVB light?
Turtles get UVB light by basking. When turtles bask they try to find a place where the sun rays are very powerful, so they usually climb on big rocks, or any place that is closer to the sun. When they find the best spot, they simply lay in the sun for hours. During this time they are exposed to the UVB rays.
Why are turtles bigger than males?
So when a female turtle is pregnant, it’s impossible for her belly to get bigger. They need to keep the eggs inside them, so they need a little more space than males do. This is why they are a little bigger than the males of their species.
Why do turtles grow faster?
On the other hand, meat contains a lot of protein, and protein is directly responsible for the growth of the turtle. In general the more meat the turtle eats, the bigger and faster it will grow. This is one of the reasons why baby and juvenile turtles, who prefer meat over other types of food, grow faster than the adults.
How big is a mud turtle?
The mud turtle is a small, nondescript reptile, measuring 3-4 inches (7.5-10 cm). The carapace (upper shell) is olive to dark brown to almost black, patternless, smooth and keelless. It has only 11 marginal scutes (plates) rather than the 12 found on most turtles.
Where do mud turtles live?
The range of this species covers Long Island, south to southern Florida, west to central Texas, and north up the Mississippi Valley to southern Illinois and southwestern Indiana. An isolated population occurs in northwestern Indiana. In New York, there are only five populations remaining. Within their range, mud turtles are semi-aquatic, though they often wander away from water in mid-summer. They can be found in fresh or brackish water, including marshes, small ponds, wet ditches and fields, and offshore islands. They prefer shallow, soft-bottomed, slow-moving water with abundant vegetation. Individuals can be seen prowling pond bottoms during warmer months. If the habitat dries up, they may move over land to another body of water, or burrow into the mud and aestivate (pass the summer in a state of stupor). In New York, mud turtles hibernate from September to April or May. Of all turtle species in New York, the mud turtle apparently has the shortest activity period. Burrows, 1 to 3 feet deep in mud, sand or dry leaves at marsh or field edges, below the frost line, are used for overwintering. Mud turtles migrate 200-400 meters from their pond to nest.
What is the rarest turtle in New York?
The mud turtle is the rarest species of turtle in New York. Mud turtles are seen crossing roads, most likely in search of nest sites or water. Turtles killed by passing cars are a very significant loss to populations. Draining wetlands for urban and industrial development has impacted populations, reducing the amount of suitable habitat. Upland nesting and hibernation sites have also been impacted by land clearing, development and fragmentation from road construction. Overcollecting for the illegal pet trade exploits adults necessary for sustaining populations.
How deep do mud turtles burrow?
Of all turtle species in New York, the mud turtle apparently has the shortest activity period. Burrows, 1 to 3 feet deep in mud, sand or dry leaves at marsh or field edges, below the frost line, are used for overwintering. Mud turtles migrate 200-400 meters from their pond to nest.
What are the best habitat management activities for turtles?
Recommended habitat management activities include 1) elimination of barriers that hinder migration between ponds and nest or hibernation sites, 2) placement of "turtle crossing" signs to warn motorists of the turtle's presence in key areas, and 3) maintenance of open areas for nesting.
How long do muskrats incubate?
The eggs incubate for an average of 76 days, but may overwinter in the nest. Muskrat and beaver lodges are occasionally used as nest sites. Females reportedly reach sexual maturity in 5-8 years; males require only 4-7 years. In New York, though, sexual maturity may take 8-11 years.
Where can I find mud turtles in New York?
They can be found in fresh or brackish water, including marshes, small ponds, wet ditches and fields, and offshore islands.
Where do eastern mud turtles live?
The species is endemic to the United States. There are two recognized subspecies .
How to identify a mud turtle?
The eastern mud turtle is a small and often hard to identify species. It measures 3–4 in (7.6–10.2 cm) in carapace length. The carapace is keelless, lacks any pattern, and varies in color from yellowish to black. The plastron is large and double hinged, and can be yellowish to brown, and may sometimes have a dark pattern. The chin and throat are a yellowish grey, streaked and mottled with brown, while the limbs and tail are grayish. The eye, or iris, of the eastern mud turtle is yellow with dark clouding, and its feet are webbed.
What color are the eyes of mud turtles?
The chin and throat are a yellowish grey, streaked and mottled with brown, while the limbs and tail are grayish. The eye, or iris, of the eastern mud turtle is yellow with dark clouding, and its feet are webbed.
What is a mud turtle?
Mud Turtle General Info. The Mud Turtle is a popular breed of turtle that is kept as a pet. They are low maintenance turtles that are a good choice for those who are beginners at keeping these animals, and they can easily be maintained in a terrarium. When deciding to bring a Mud Turtle into your family, though, ...
Where do mud turtles live?
These animals can generally be found in spring-fed streams, and they prefer clean, oxygenated water. In the wild, they also prefer sandy and muddy areas, as they will hibernate by burrowing into the mud.
What is the difference between a mud turtle and a musk turtle?
However, they are even smaller than Musk Turtles, and their carapace isn’t domed as high. Instead, the shell of a Mud Turtle will be oval. Also, Mud Turtles will have one or two hinges on the plastron.
What temperature should a mud turtle bask?
A heat lamp should be placed above the basking site, and it should be set to around 90°F. The rest of the enclosure should be maintained anywhere from 80-85° and should not go below 70°F. And in addition to the basking temperature, you will also need to use a high quality water heater to maintain the temperature anywhere from 70-75°F.
How to tell if a Mississippi mud turtle is striped?
The Mississippi Mud Turtle is very similar, but you will notice that there are a couple of light colored lines on the turtle’s head, extending from the tip all the way back to the shell. These can be pale yellow or deep tan. The Striped Mud Turtle is easy to recognize because the coloring is different.
What are the different types of mud turtles?
To give you an idea of how their appearance is similar but with minor differences, let’s focus on four of the more popular breeds: the Eastern Mud Turtle, the Mississippi Mud Turtle, the Striped Mud Turtle, and the Yellow Mud Turtle. The Eastern Mud Turtle will have a dark shell ...
How many stripes are there on a mud turtle?
The Striped Mud Turtle is easy to recognize because the coloring is different. You will quickly note that there are three stripes that are light in color and run vertically on the shell. There is also one stripe in between the eyes. These stripes can be yellow, gold, or tan.
Where are Eastern Mud Turtles native to?
Native to ponds in the Eastern United States from Texas to New York, Eastern mud turtles are popular as pets largely because of their small size;
What is the behavior of a mud turtle?
Mud Turtle Behavior and Temperament. These little turtles look quite cute but don't assume that they'll be docile and friendly. Mud turtles are on the grouchy side and will bite with their curved beaks if they feel provoked or nervous.
How to keep a mud turtle warm?
Heat. Ensure that all parts of the habitat do not get too cold. Turtles of all kinds require heat lights as well as UVB lights. Meant to keep your mud turtle warm, large heat lights heat the entire enclosures that mud turtles use.
Why do mud turtles bite?
Mud turtles are on the grouchy side and will bite with their curved beaks if they feel provoked or nervous. This is one of several reasons to avoid picking up or touching a pet mud turtle unless it's absolutely necessary.
Why are my turtles flaking?
The most obvious health problem with any aquatic turtle is poor shell health. Dirty water, incorrect lighting, and an inappropriate diet can lead to flaking shells, shell deformities, and even shell rot .
How to keep turtles from muddy bottom?
Using gravel on the bottom of the water half of the tank will keep it cleaner than using a muddy bottom, and a floating dock may be a welcome addition. However, for the land portion, consider adding a second tank, placed on its side, atop the rim of the water tank to create a double-decker habitat. With this kind of setup, create a safe, centrally located ramp between the upper and lower level so your turtle can safely access both levels without tumbling out of the enclosure and onto the floor.
Do turtles have salmonella?
Turtles are cute and children naturally want to pick them up and play with them, but since they harbor salmonella, turtles can pose a health risk to anyone who handles them. Children are thought to be most at risk since they're less likely to wash their hands after touching an aquatic turtle.
What do Eastern Mud Turtles eat?
Feeding/Diet: Eastern mud turtles are omnivorous. They are known to feed on crustaceans (such as crayfish), mollusks, aquatic insects, and seeds.
When do mud turtles lay eggs?
Reproduction: Mud turtles lay between 2 and 5 eggs during June or July. Eastern mud turtle eggs are hard shelled and do not absorb water like most turtle eggs. The young hatch in August or September.
How big is an Eastern Mud Turtle?
The Eastern mud turtle is small, measuring only 3 - 4 inches in size. Eastern mud turtle characteristics include: A smooth, dark shell - olive brown in color with no pattern. 11 plates, rather than 12. A yellow, hinged lower shell also with only 11 plates. A blunt spine on the tip of the tail in males.
How big are mud turtles?
It is generally smaller than the other mud turtles, rarely growing larger than 3 to 4 inches in size . While the overall coloring and shape of the shell of the striped mud turtle is similar to the others, it is distinguished by three, light colored stripes running vertically along its shell as well as a single stripe between its eyes. The stripes may be yellow, tan or gold in color, and there may also be a coordinating stripe that rings the shell at the edge dividing the top and bottom.
How to keep a mud turtle in a tank?
Keep mud turtles in a large tank with a sandy, dry area for rest and plenty of clean water. Your turtle should take up no more than 25 percent of the size of the tank's floor. If you keep your mud turtle outdoors, provide a large, shaded area with plenty of mud to accommodate their hibernation routine. Turtles kept outdoors require enough water to keep them comfortable in all climate temperatures; deep water will stay cooler in hot weather and will hold warmth in cooler weather. Provide a basking light above their rest area if kept indoors; mud turtles enjoy laying directly in sunlight.
What color is a yellow mud turtle?
Yellow Mud Turtle. The yellow mud turtle has a similarly colored shell of dark, olive brown to the other mud turtles, as well as similar characteristics. It differs and is distinguished from the others by yellow coloring on its head, throat, and sides of neck. This color may extend from the shell, along the sides of the neck and up under the chin, ...
What are the characteristics of a mud turtle?
The Eastern mud turtle is small, measuring only 3 - 4 inches in size. Eastern mud turtle characteristics include: 1 A smooth, dark shell - olive brown in color with no pattern 2 11 plates, rather than 12 3 A yellow, hinged lower shell also with only 11 plates 4 A blunt spine on the tip of the tail in males 5 Rough, scaly patches on the insides of the legs, in males
How long do mud turtles live?
Mud Turtle Lifespan. Mud turtles can live up to 50 years with proper diet and care. Turtles that are kept outdoors do hibernate in the winter, burrowing themselves deep into the mud to stay warm.
What is the difference between a Mississippi mud turtle and an Eastern mud turtle?
The Mississippi mud turtle shares many of the same characteristics of the Eastern mud turtle. They grow to a similar size and have similar coloring and features including size, color and shape of the shell.
What are the features of a box turtle?
The high-domed shell is the most prominent feature of the box turtle. Closer examination reveals that the lower shell, called the plastron, is hinged, enabling the shell to be closed much like a box. Both the upper shell, called the carapace, and the plastron, are typically dark brown to black in color with many varying streaks, spots, and lines of yellow and orange. Older specimens often have very smooth and worn shells with little coloration. The head, neck, and legs of the box turtle are also brightly colored with yellow and orange, particularly in the males. Male box turtles usually have bright red or orange colored eyes while the eyes of the females are usually dark red or brown. Male box turtles also have a slight depression in the middle of their lower shells while that of the female’s is flat. Overall length of most adult box turtles is about 5 to 6 inches. It has 4 toes on the hind foot.
What color are box turtles?
The head, neck, and legs of the box turtle are also brightly colored with yellow and orange, particularly in the males. Male box turtles usually have bright red or orange colored eyes while the eyes of the females are usually dark red or brown.
How long do box turtles lay eggs?
Female box turtles seek out sunny areas where they lay their eggs in the warm soil by excavating a cavity with their hind feet. Although box turtles are active during daylight hours, the females often use the protective cover of darkness to lay their eggs. After laying from 3 to 6 eggs, the nest is covered with soil and the eggs left to hatch on their own. Box turtles usually lay their eggs during June and July. Hatching takes between 2 and 3 months. Sometimes if the turtles hatch late in the season, they may overwinter in the nest and then emerge the following spring. Due to their small size and lack of the bright coloration found on the adults, young box turtles are seldom seen. Adult box turtles often live 30 to 40 years or more in the wild and some are believed to have reached 100 years or more.
Why do box turtles die?
Many box turtles are killed as they cross highways. Dogs sometimes catch box turtles and chew their shells, resulting in injury and eventual death to the turtle. Many are also hit by lawn mowers as the turtles hide in tall grass and weeds. >> Most Eastern box turtles have permanent home ranges.
How old are box turtles when they close their shell?
Young box turtles do not develop the hinge for closing their shell until they are about 4 to 5 years old. >> Although they are still common in many areas, box turtles have declined over much of their range, probably due largely to habitat destruction by man. Many box turtles are killed as they cross highways.
How long does it take for a box turtle to hatch?
Hatching takes between 2 and 3 months. Sometimes if the turtles hatch late in the season, they may overwinter in the nest and then emerge the following spring. Due to their small size and lack of the bright coloration found on the adults, young box turtles are seldom seen.
When do box turtles burrow?
They burrow deep under the soil and leaves, sometime in October, and usually emerge in April or early May.
Description
Life History
- Most of the life history information is based on studies conducted at the southern end of the range. Breeding occurs soon after the turtles leave hibernation, which in New York occurs from late April to May. In June, the female digs a 3-5 inch cavity in vegetative debris or in sandy loam soil, where she deposits 2-6 eggs. In the south, three clutches are typically laid each year, but in …
Distribution and Habitat
- The range of this species covers Long Island, south to southern Florida, west to central Texas, and north up the Mississippi Valley to southern Illinois and southwestern Indiana. An isolated population occurs in northwestern Indiana. In New York, there are only five populations remaining. Within their range, mud turtles are semi-aquatic, though they often wander away from water in m…
Status
- The mud turtle is the rarest species of turtle in New York. Mud turtles are seen crossing roads, most likely in search of nest sites or water. Turtles killed by passing cars are a very significant loss to populations. Draining wetlands for urban and industrial development has impacted populations, reducing the amount of suitable habitat. Upland nesting and hibernation sites have …
Management and Research Needs
- Additional effort is needed to survey for mud turtles in potential habitat. Studies to identify upland habitat requirements have begun and need to be continued. At this time, efforts aimed at protecting mud turtles should concentrate on the acquisition and management of habitat where populations are still known to occur. Educating the public regarding the illegal pet trade and enh…
Additional References
- Behler, J. L. and R. W. King. 1979. The Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Reptiles and Amphibians. Alfred A. Knopf, New York. Conant, R. and J. T. Collins. 1998. A Field Guide to Reptiles and Amphibians of Eastern and Central North America. Third Edition Expanded. Houghton Mifflin Co., Boston. Ernst, C. H., J. E. Lovich and R. W. Barbour. 1994. Turtles of the Un…
Overview
The eastern mud turtle (Kinosternon subrubrum) or common mud turtle is a common species of turtle in the family Kinosternidae. The species is endemic to the United States. There are two recognized subspecies.
Description
The eastern mud turtle is a small and often hard to identify species. It measures 3–4 in (7.6–10.2 cm) in carapace length. The carapace is keelless, lacks any pattern, and varies in color from yellowish to black. The plastron is large and double hinged, and can be yellowish to brown, and may sometimes have a dark pattern. The chin and throat are a yellowish grey, streaked and mottled with brown, while the limbs and tail are grayish. The eye, or iris, of the eastern mud turtl…
Diet
The eastern mud turtle is omnivorous and feeds on insects, crustaceans, mollusks, amphibians, carrion, and aquatic vegetation. Smaller eastern mud turtles prey on small aquatic insects, algae, and carrion, whereas larger ones can feed on any type of food
Movement
Eastern mud turtles have been documented to migrate seasonally from uplands that they frequent to wetlands and aquatic movement in their home ranges.
Habitat
Mud turtles (genus Kinosternon) are fresh water turtles that are found in the Southeastern and Northeastern United States. They live in rivers, lakes and swamps. Mud turtles prefer ponds that have a lot of vegetation. These animals can generally be found in spring-fed streams, and they prefer clean, oxygenated water. The Eastern mud turtle rarely basks, but in the instance they do, they will bask on rocks or debris floating on the surface of the water. In the wild, they also prefer …
Reproduction
Mating occurs in K. subrubrum during early spring followed by egg laying in May to early June. Clutch sizes vary from 2 to 5. Clutch size increases as female plastron length increases and they have at least 3 clutches/year.
Reproduction in this species varies greatly depending on latitudinal location. Clutches per year for this species have been reported to be one clutch per year in some states and multiple clutches i…
Geographic range
The eastern mud turtle is found in the US states of Alabama, Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and Virginia.
In Indiana, the eastern mud turtle is listed as an endangered species.
Diseases
In 2014 on the Savannah River Site in Aiken, South Carolina the first case of ranavirus in an eastern mud turtle was detected. This virus affects amphibians, fish, and reptiles and causes oral plaque, ulceration, and conjunctivitis in infected species eventually resulting in death.