Eastern Mud Turtle
Kinosternon subrubrum
Adult Eastern mud turtles inhabit quiet freshwater wetlands, ponds, marshes, swamps, and drainage ditches across much of the eastern United States. They spend much of their time in shallow water or buried in soft mud, feeding on aquatic insects, mollusks, worms, crustaceans, carrion, and occasional plant material. Adults are not strong open-water swimmers but are steady bottom-walkers with a defensive shell and a firm bite. A notable feature is the hinged lower shell, which helps close off the body when the turtle withdraws.
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- Conservation status
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Growth chain
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- Eastern Mud Turtle