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Watchable Wildlife
Razor-backed Musk Turtle
By Kayleen Sugianto, Oklahoma State University Student
RAZOR-BACKED MUSK TURTLE

BY KAYLEEN SUGIANTO, OKLAHOMA STATE UNIVERSITY STUDENT

The razor-backed musk turtle (Sternot- inches long. Females reach maturity faster
herus carinatus) is among many aquatic spe- on average than males.
cies of turtles native to about 10 counties in These turtles make their homes in
southeastern Oklahoma. aquatic habitats, such as medium to large
Their shells range in color from light flowing streams with sandy or gravelly bot-
brown to orange, with dark gray streaking toms. They prefer deeper and clearer water
that has the potential to fade as time pass- bodies. They walk along the floor of the
es. Their skin color streams and use submerged rocks or wood
varies with brown, as hiding places. Some turtles even have a
While these turtles are pink, and gray, growth of healthy algae on their shells.
mainly aquatic, they along with numer- While these turtles are mainly aquatic,
often take advantage of ous small black they often take advantage of emerging

emerging deadwood upon dots sprinkled deadwood upon which to bask. Basking
across its body. occurs on logs or high above the water on
which to bask.
The carapace, steeply angled branches that have fallen
or top shell, is from trees. These areas allow the razor-
high-domed with sharp, swooping scales backed musk turtle the ability to avoid
that resemble razored humps along the areas where other turtles thrive.
midline of the back. These humps are what Razor-backed musk turtles are primarily
give this turtle its name. carnivorous, preying on aquatic insects,
When bothered, this turtle can excrete snails, crustaceans, and other sources of
a pungent musk. food that come their way. Larger individu-
These turtles generally have 10 scales on als of the species tend to favor mollusks in
the plastron, or bottom shell, where other their diet. They also eat amphibians, carrion
turtles often have 11 scales. A single pair and aquatic plants. They are active mostly
of barbels is noticeable on the chin rather from late afternoon into evening, and pre-
than on the neck. dawn through morning.
Adult turtles rarely exceed 5 inches Predators of these small turtles include
long in Oklahoma. Hatchlings are about alligator snapping turtles, water snakes, div-
an inch long and weigh 3 to 4 grams. ing beetles, and many other aquatic pred-
Male turtles may be slightly larger than atory species.
females and have longer tails. Like most Spotting razor-backed musk turtles can
turtle species, the sex of the razor- be difficult because they are greatly aware
backed musk turtle’s offspring is deter- of their surroundings. Because of this, they
mined by temperature; more females are easily startled and will plunge straight
are produced in cooler or warmer con- back into the water at the slightest distur-
ditions, and more males are produced at bance perceived as a threat. The use of
intermediate temperatures. binoculars would be the best way to detect
Individuals reach maturity about 4 to and observe these turtles as they bask in the
7 years of age, and they are about 3 to 4 sun throughout most of the year.

48 OUTDOOR OKLAHOMA