Kinosternon herrerai (Herrera’s Mud Turtle)
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Kinosternon herrerai, or Herrera’s Mud Turtle, is a small aquatic turtle known for its ability to thrive in diverse freshwater habitats. It is native to Mexico and has adapted well to seasonal changes in water availability.
Native To These Regions
Nuevo León (Mexico), San Luis Potosí (Mexico), Tamaulipas (Mexico), Veracruz (Mexico)Native Turtle Species Map – Find Turtles by Region
Scientific Classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Testudines
Family: Kinosternidae
Genus: Kinosternon
Species: Kinosternon herrerai
Common Names
Herrera’s Mud Turtle
Mexican Mud Turtle
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Identification
Herrera’s Mud Turtle has an oval, domed carapace with smooth edges and a brownish to olive-green coloration. The plastron is hinged, allowing the turtle to close its shell tightly for protection. Its skin is typically grayish with yellow markings on the head.
Males are slightly larger than females and have longer, thicker tails, while females have shorter tails and a broader body shape.
Check more turtles from the Kinosternon genus
Native Origin and Distribution
Herrera’s Mud Turtle is found in northeastern Mexico, primarily in the states of Tamaulipas, Veracruz, and San Luis Potosí.
Preferred Habitat
This species inhabits slow-moving rivers, ponds, marshes, and other freshwater bodies. It can also tolerate temporary pools and seasonal wetlands, adapting to both wet and dry conditions.
Behavior
Herrera’s Mud Turtle is omnivorous, feeding on aquatic plants, insects, mollusks, and small fish. It forages actively during the day and occasionally at night.
Its main predators include birds, large fish, and mammals, but its ability to close its shell provides effective protection.
Reproduction
Breeding occurs during the rainy season, typically from May to September.
Females lay eggs in shallow nests on land. Clutches usually contain two to five eggs, and hatchlings emerge after an incubation period of about 90 days.
Conservation
Herrera’s Mud Turtle is currently listed as Near Threatened due to habitat loss and pollution.
Agricultural expansion, urbanization, and water contamination are significant threats. Conservation efforts include habitat protection and local education to reduce human impact.
Economic Importance
Herrera’s Mud Turtle plays a role in controlling insect populations and maintaining freshwater ecosystem health. It is occasionally collected for the pet trade but not in large numbers.
Interesting Facts
Herrera’s Mud Turtle can remain dormant during dry seasons by burying itself in mud to conserve moisture.
Its hinged plastron is a unique feature that provides excellent defense against predators.
About Author
Muntaseer Rahman started keeping pet turtles back in 2013. He also owns the largest Turtle & Tortoise Facebook community in Bangladesh. These days he is mostly active on Facebook.
