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Stinkpot Turtle |
Scientific:
Sternotherus odoratus Latreille Description:
8-13 cm (3-5 in) One of province’s smallest turtles. Carapace
is smooth, narrow oval, arched and dark brown in color. This
small turtle has more exposed flesh than most, similar to the snapping
turtle. The flesh is a dark brown or black with two narrow yellow lines
from the snout to either side of the eye. The head tapers to a narrow,
hooked beak. Females have short tails. Four
musk glands are located under the carapace near the edge. When annoyed,
the turtle secretes a fluid that smells similar to a skunk’s secreted
scent. Eggs:
27mm (1⅛ in) 3-6 eggs white, elliptical, and with a brittle shell.
The eggs are laid in June and hatch in September. Nest:
In debris at edge of water, including soft wood, soil or on rocks.
Female does not always excavate nest or cover eggs. Habitat:
Slow-moving shallow water with a muddy bottom. Life
History:
Aquatic turtle seldom seen out of water, mostly found on the muddy
bottom. It suns in shallow water. Sometimes the carapace can be seen
amongst floating vegetation. The stinkpot can live over 50 years Similar
Species:
When carapace is coated with algae, it may be mistaken for a rock when
sunning, similar to other turtles. Ecological
Role:
Primarily carnivorous, feeding on fish, tadpoles and aquatic insects;
sometimes eating aquatic vegetation. Threats:
Loss of habitat. What
you can do: Protect
wetland habitat and report
sighting to the local OMNR. Compiled
by:
Angela Martin, Nipissing Naturalist
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