Sternotherus intermedius (Aliflora musk turtle)

Sternotherus intermedius, also known as the Aliflora musk turtle, is a small aquatic turtle species recently identified within the musk turtle family. It belongs to the Sternotherus genus and is closely related to other musk turtles, but it stands out due to its distinct physical features and limited distribution.

Scientific Classification

Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Testudines
Family: Kinosternidae
Genus: Sternotherus
Species: Sternotherus intermedius

Common Names

Aliflora musk turtle

Intermediate musk turtle

Identification

Description

The Aliflora musk turtle has an olive to dark brown carapace, sometimes with faint spots or patterns. Its plastron is small, leaving much of the turtle’s underside exposed, which is common for musk turtles. Its head features pale stripes running from the nose to the neck. Adults grow to about 3 to 5 inches.

Sexual Dimorphism

Males have longer tails, with the vent positioned farther from the body. Females are slightly larger in body size, but they have shorter tails.

Native Origin and Distribution

Geographical Range

This species is found in parts of the southeastern United States, mainly within river systems and wetlands in Alabama and Florida. Its range overlaps with some other musk turtles, but it prefers smaller waterways with specific habitat conditions.

Preferred Habitat

The Aliflora musk turtle prefers slow-moving streams, swamps, and shallow rivers with soft, muddy bottoms. It hides under submerged logs, rocks, or aquatic plants for cover.

Behavior

Feeding Habits

This turtle is omnivorous, feeding on aquatic insects, small crustaceans, snails, and plant matter. It mainly forages along the bottom, using its sharp jaws to crush hard-shelled prey.

Predators

Predators include large fish, wading birds, raccoons, and sometimes larger turtles. Hatchlings are especially at risk due to their small size.

Reproduction

Breeding Season

Mating usually happens in spring and early summer, with nesting from late spring into mid-summer.

Reproductive Method

Females lay small clutches of 1 to 4 eggs in sandy or soft soil near water. Hatchlings emerge after about 60 to 80 days, depending on temperature and conditions.

Conservation

Extinction Status

The species has not been formally assessed because it was only recently identified, but its populations could be vulnerable.

Threats

Habitat loss from wetland drainage, pollution, and human development is the biggest threat. Collection for the pet trade could also become a concern in the future.

Conservation Measures

Protecting wetlands and limiting collection are important steps to ensure the species’ survival. More research is needed to track its population trends and habitat use.

Economic Importance

The Aliflora musk turtle has minor economic importance through the pet trade, as small, hardy turtles are popular with hobbyists. It also plays a role in local ecosystems by helping control insect and snail populations.

Interesting Facts

This species was only separated from other musk turtles recently after scientists compared its genetics and physical traits. Like other musk turtles, it can release a strong, unpleasant smell from glands near its shell when threatened, earning it the nickname “stinkpot.”