The yellow mud turtle is a medium-sized species found in the central and southern United States and northern Mexico. It prefers shallow, temporary wetlands.
Lineage: Turtles and Tortoises (TESTUDINES) > Cryptodira (CRYPTODIRA) > Durocryptodira (DUROCRYPTODIRA) > Snapping Turtles Superfamily (CHELYDROIDEA) > Mud and Musk Turtles (KINOSTERNIDAE) > Mud Turtles Subfamily (KINOSTERNINAE) > Mud Turtles (Kinosternon) > Shield Mud Turtles Subgenus (Kinosternon (Thyrosternum)) > Yellow Mud Turtle (Kinosternon (Thyrosternum) flavescens). This path helps place the taxon within its family, genus, or species-level context.
Plate page 147
Chinese Name
黄动胸龟
English Name
Yellow Mud Turtle
Scientific Name
Kinosternon (Thyrosternum) flavescens
Rank
Species
Plate notes
Kinosternon flavescens
Trivia
The species name 'flavescens' means 'becoming yellow', referencing its shell color. It was originally described as Platythyra flavescens.
Overview
The yellow mud turtle is a medium-sized species found in the central and southern United States and northern Mexico. It prefers shallow, temporary wetlands.
Scientific Name
Kinosternon flavescens
Ecological Habits
Inhabits ponds, lakes, and temporary pools in semi-arid regions. Omnivorous, foraging on invertebrates, carrion, and plant matter. Estivates in mud during dry periods.
Major Threats & Conservation
Major threats include conversion of wetlands to agriculture, droughts, and vehicle strikes. Conservation focuses on wetland management and protected areas.
Morphological Characteristics
Carapace up to 160 mm, domed, yellowish-brown to olive with dark seams. Plastron large, with one hinge, yellow. Head is yellow with dark spots.
Natural Distribution & Conservation Status
Occurs from Nebraska and Iowa to Texas and into northeastern Mexico. Listed as Near Threatened due to habitat loss and fragmentation.
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