Common Musk Turtle
Sternotherus odoratus
- Class
- Reptile
- Rarity
- Common
- Observations
- 9,695
- Most observed in
- 🇺🇸 United States
- Conservation
- Least Concern
Description
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.
Summary adapted from the Wikipedia article “Sternotherus odoratus”.