Turtles

Stinkpot

Sternotherus odoratus

5.1-11.5cm; record 13.7cm
Small turtle with smooth, light olive to black, high-domed, narrow carapace
Plastron is small, yellow-brown and gives little protection to legs; a "hinge" runs across the front of plastron allowing it to close upward to protect head
Two light stripes on each side of head
Barbels (fleshy projections) on chin and throat
Named for musky odour produced when handled (also called "stinkpot")
Rarely leaves water; basks in shallow water with shell exposed and may climb trees and branches above water
May be confused with a small snapping turtle, but snapper has long serrated tail
Lays 2-5 oval, white, hard-shelled eggs
THREATENED

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