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Southeastern Mud Turtle

Southeastern Mud Turtle

Kinosternon subrubrum spp. subrubrum

Least Concern

Quick Facts

Kingdom: Animalia
Abundance: Common
Habitat: Wetland
Active Seasons: Spring, Summer
Activity: Crepuscular (Active at dawn/dusk)

A small freshwater turtle measuring 3-4 inches. Its carapace (the upper portion of the shell) lacks a pattern and varies in color from yellow to black. The plastron (underbelly of the shell) is large and double hinged, and can be yellowish to brown, and may sometimes have a dark pattern. The eye, or iris, of the eastern mud turtle is yellow with dark clouding, and its feet are webbed.

Diet

The eastern mud turtle is omnivorous and feeds on insects, crustaceans, mollusks, amphibians, carrion, and aquatic vegetation.

Activity Pattern

Crepuscular (Active at dawn/dusk)
Kingdom: Animalia
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Phylum: Chrodata
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Class: Reptilia
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Order: Testudines
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Family: Kinosternidae
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Genus: Kinosternon
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Species: Kinosternon subrubrum spp. subrubrum

Scientific Name

Kinosternon subrubrum spp. subrubrum

Common Name

Southeastern Mud Turtle
Breeding Season
Mid March-May
Migration Pattern
Eastern mud turtles have been documented to migrate seasonally from uplands that they frequent to wetlands and aquatic movement in their home ranges.

Behavior

Eastern mud turtles are natatorial (specialized for swimming) and solitary. They hardly bask, but when they do it is on rocks or debris floating on the water’s surface. These turtles also overwinter in terrestrial habitats by burrowing. They hibernate between November and March, but start and stop times vary by location.

Active Seasons

Spring Summer

Activity Pattern

Crepuscular (Active at dawn/dusk)

Habitat Types

Wetland

Geographic Distribution

Eastern mud turtles are endemic to the United States and range along the southeastern United States and as far north as New York.

Local Abundance

Common

Conservation Status

Least Concern

This species is widespread and abundant. No immediate threat to survival.

Threats & Impacts

Habitat loss, highway mortality

How You Can Help

  • Report sightings to contribute to population monitoring
  • Support habitat conservation efforts
  • Follow guidelines when observing wildlife

Additional Notes

The specific name, subrubrum, meaning "under red", refers to the red-orange plastron of hatchlings.

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