There are turtles with carapace lengths (CL, the standard way to measure turtles) of less than 10 cm (4 inches), as in the flattened musk turtle (Sternotherus depressus), and of more than 1.5 metres, as in the leatherback sea turtle (Dermochelys coriacea).
Similar to small snapping turtles in appearance and pugnacious temperament, musk turtles are characterized by a small lower shell and by small, fleshy barbels on the chin.
The diet of the musk turtle includes plants, mollusks, small fish, and insects.
Musk turtle, (genus Sternotherus), any of four species of small freshwater turtles belonging to the family Kinosternidae.
An assortment of turtles, such as the mud turtle and the musk turtle (Kinosternidae), have glands on the bridge of their shells that excrete a vile-smelling fluid that likely makes them distasteful to many predators.
The stinkpot, or common musk turtle (S. odoratus), is the only member of the genus found in both the northeastern and southern United States.
A few species, such as the stinkpot, or common musk turtle (Sternotherus odoratus), dig a shallow nest with both the fore- and hind feet.
"Teeny" and "Tiny" are the names of a two-headed razorback musk turtle from California that's about the size of a nickel.
The main species found were common musk turtles (Sternotherus odoratus), diamondback terrapin (Malaclemys terrapin) and juvenile common snapping turtles (Chelydra serpentina).
Musk turtles are named for the strong, musky odour they emit when disturbed.
