Meet the Turtles
Little Bottomwalkers
Three different small species can be found walking on the bottom of the river or a spring. They are sometimes mistaken for small snapping turtles, but they are small species that do not get bigger than a human fist.
Loggerhead Musk Turtle
Sternotherus minor
| ID: big head with dark spots carapace length*: female 5.0" (128mm); male 5.2" (131mm) |
| Habitat: rivers and springs |
| Diet: carnivore, specializing on snails and crayfish |
| Nesting season: September - July |
| • diurnal and nocturnal • basks rarely • threatened by collection for the pet trade • possession limit of 2 individuals [Rule 68A-25.002(9)] |
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 plastron |
 baby |
Stinkpot / Common Musk Turtle
Sternotherus odoratus
| ID: 2 yellow lines between eye and nostril carapace length*: female 3.3" (83mm); male 3.4" (86mm) |
| Habitat: rare in springs and river |
| Diet: omnivore |
| Nesting season: February - June |
| • diurnal and nocturnal • basks occasionally |
 |
 plastron |
 baby |
Striped Mud Turtle
Kinosternon baurii
| ID: 2 hinges on plastron 3 light stripes on carapace carapace length*: female 4.9" (124mm); male 4.3 (110mm) |
| Habitat: common in springs, rare in river |
| Diet: omnivore |
| Nesting season: September - June |
| • diurnal and nocturnal • basks more than other mud and musk turtles |
 |
 plastron |
* Carapace length listed is longest recorded in Santa Fe River
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