Kinosternon subrubrum for sale on Guam. The specimen was reportedly captured in the Namo River
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Kinosternon subrubrum (Lacepede, 1788)
Family: Kinosternidae Common Mud Turtle Status: Uncertain Description: This is a relatively small species of turtle reaching only about 13 cm in carapace length. Hatchlings have three longitudinal keels on the shell that fade as individuals age. The 10th marginal scute is taller than the adjacent scutes. There are two hinges across the yellow to brown colored plastron. The carapace is brown and the skin of the head, neck, and limbs is grey to tan, occasionally with lighter markings. Biology: This species is most often found in slow moving bodies of water with a soft bottom and abundant aquatic vegetation. Though primarily aquatic, it is known to spend a considerable amount of time on land where it will forage, and aestivate in self dug burrows. Distribution: This species is native to the eastern United States. An individual was being sold by a man by the side of the road in Agat, Guam. When questioned about its origin he indicated that he had captured it in the nearby Namo River. He also indicated that he had captured others but that they were not common. Interestingly, Gordon Rodda (Pers. Comm)observed a turtle that he thinks was a Kinosternon crossing the road in the vicinity of the Namo River. Extensive surveys by the author failed to yield any more specimens. |