A small dark turtle with a high-domed shell and two pale stripes on the head. Called "stinkpot" for the foul-smelling musk they emit when handled — a deterrent against predators.

Also called: Stinkpot, Common Musk Turtle

Native status: Native to eastern and central US

§ Quick facts

SizeShell length 7–14 cm (3–5.5 in)
Weight200–500 g
LifespanWild 30–50 years; captive 55+
OrderTestudines
FamilyKinosternidae

§ Encyclopedia

Sternotherus odoratus is a species of small turtle in the family Kinosternidae. The species is native to southeastern Canada and much of the Eastern United States. It is also known commonly as the common musk turtle, eastern musk turtle, or stinkpot turtle due to its ability to release a foul musky odor from scent glands on the edge of its shell, possibly to deter predation. This turtle is grouped in the same family as mud turtles.

Source: Wikipedia — Sternotherus odoratus Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

§ Identification

Field marks. Small dark brown to nearly black domed-shelled turtle; head with two distinct pale yellow stripes; pale yellow throat; small plastron.

Similar species. Eastern Mud Turtle (slightly larger; less domed shell). Striped Mud Turtle (three yellow stripes). Common Snapping Turtle (much larger; different shape).

Voice. Hisses defensively; produces strong musky odor.

§ Diet & behavior

Diet. Omnivorous: insects, snails, crayfish, tadpoles, small fish, aquatic plants, carrion.

Behavior. Among the smallest US turtles. Common name "Stinkpot" reflects the powerful musky-smelling secretions produced from glands beneath the shell when handled — among the most pungent of any turtle. Highly aquatic but surprisingly arboreal: regularly climbs into low-hanging vegetation along streams and ponds to bask, sometimes startling boaters by falling out of trees.

§ Range

Eastern US

§ Habitat

Slow streams, ponds, lakes

§ Threats

Water-quality decline, shoreline development, illegal collection.

§ Conservation status

According to the IUCN Red List, the eastern musk turtle is currently classified as Least Concern.

§ What helps

Maintain natural shorelines. Don't collect from wild. Support clean water laws.

Support our work More ways to help

§ Further reading

§ Sources cited

  • Turtle Conservation Coalition
  • Davidson College Herpetology Lab
  • iNaturalist
  • IUCN Red List 2011