MUD TURTLE

any of about a dozen species of freshwater turtles belonging to the genus Kinosternon (family Kinosternidae). Mud turtles are highly aquatic and are found in North, Central, and South America. Like the related musk turtles (Sternotherus), they are small animals (usually 15 cm [6 inches] or less in shell length) with fleshy barbels on the chin and the ability to exude a strong, musky odour. They differ in having a broad lower shell with a hinged section at either end. The hinged portions of the shell can be pulled up to cover and protect the head, legs, and tail of the turtle. Little is known of the habits of most mud turtles. The common, or eastern, mud turtle (Kinosternon subrubrum) of the eastern United States is semiaquatic and lives in shallow, often brackish, water. It eats mollusks and other small animals.