|
Description
This small turtle reaches a maximum of 14 cm
carapace length. It has a light
stripe above and below the eye on each side of the head and a highly arched but narrow
carapace. Juveniles may have a prominent vertebral keel and scattered spots or streaks but the
primary colouration is gray-brown to black. The
plastron is yellowish to brown with
a single hinge. The name Stinkpot refers to the turtle's unmistakable strong musky odour which
is most apparent when it is frightened. Hatchlings have a light spot on each marginal
scute.
Confusing Species
Painted Turtles also have light stripes on the side
of the head but they have bright yellow or red elsewhere on the carapace and legs as well.
Blandings Turtles and
Spotted Turtles have light spots or streaks on the
carapace but these markings are more distinct and the carapace is much broader than that of
the Stinkpot.
Distribution
In Canada, the Stinkpot is restricted to southern Ontario and a few locations on the
Quéebec side of the Ottawa River.It is distributed through much of the eastern United
States as far south as Florida and Texas.
Habitat
Preferred habitats are rivers, lakes and ponds with a slow current and soft bottom where it
usually inhabits shallow water.
Reproduction
Maturity is reached at an age of three to four years. Nesting occurs from May through July and
most nests are dug within 45 m of water.Most nests are shallow and some clutches are laid
under logs or on open ground. Several females may lay their eggs under the same log. A single
clutch of usually 2-5 eggs is laid. Hatchlings emerge in the fall at approximately 2 cm in
length. Like many turtles, the incubation temperature determines the sex of the hatchlings.
Natural History
The Stinkpot is generally nocturnal and rarely basks. Most basking occurs under cover of
floating vegetation. Stinkpots are bottom feeders. They forage along the bottom of lakes and
rivers feeding on small invertebrates, algae, and carrion as well as fish eggs, minnows and
tadpoles. Some individuals live more than 25 years in nature.
Conservation Concerns
Although rarely encountered, Stinkpots are occasionally caught on fish hooks or injured by
boats. This species has apparently declined significantly across southern Ontario and is
considered Threatened by COSEWIC
|
