Kinosternon

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Kinosternon is a genus of small aquatic turtles from the Americas known commonly as mud turtles.

Geographic range

They are found in the United States, Mexico, Central America, and South America. The greatest species richness is in Mexico, and only three species (K. dunni, K. leucostomum, and K. scorpioides) are found in South America.

File:Distinguishing characteristics of musk turtles (Sternotherus) and mud turtles (Kinosternon).jpg
Comparison between the plastrons of Sternotherus and Kinosternon

Description

They are very similar to the musk turtles, but generally smaller in size, and their carapaces are not as highly domed.

Diet

All mud turtles are carnivorous, consuming various aquatic invertebrates (especially molluscs and worms[1]) , fish, and even carrion.

Behavior

Mud turtles live in the ground layer on the bed of bodies of slowly-flowing or still water. By burrowing deeply into mud, mud turtles are protected from danger. They occasionally like to bask in the sun.[1]

File:Kinosternon acutum 61641648.jpg
Tabasco mud turtle - K. acutum
File:Kinosternon creaseri 28086778.jpg
Creaser's mud turtle - K. creaseri
File:Kinosternon leucostomum 365484227.jpg
White-lipped mud turtle - K. leucostomum

Species

Extant

Extinct

References

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Bibliography
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  4. Iverson, J. B., & Berry, J. F. (2024). Morphometric Variation in the Red-Cheeked Mud Turtle (Kinosternon cruentatum) and its Taxonomic Implications. Chelonian Conservation and Biology: Celebrating 25 Years as the World’s Turtle and Tortoise Journal.https://doi.org/10.2744/CCB-1589.1
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