Sternotherus peltifer (Stripeneck musk turtle)
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Sternotherus peltifer, known as the stripe-neck musk turtle, is a small freshwater turtle native to parts of the southeastern United States. It is best known for the thin, light-colored stripes running down its neck, which make it easy to recognize among other musk turtles.
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Scientific Classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Testudines
Family: Kinosternidae
Genus: Sternotherus
Species: Sternotherus peltifer
Common Names
Stripeneck musk turtle
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Identification
Description
The stripe-neck musk turtle has a brown to olive carapace, sometimes with darker spots or streaks. Its head, neck, and limbs are covered in thin, yellow to cream-colored stripes that stand out against the darker skin. The plastron is small, exposing much of the underside. Adults typically reach 3 to 5 inches in length.
Sexual Dimorphism
Males have longer, thicker tails, with the vent located farther from the body. Females tend to have slightly wider shells and shorter tails.
Check more turtles from the Sternotherus genus
Native Origin and Distribution
Geographical Range
The stripe-neck musk turtle is found mainly in parts of Tennessee, Alabama, Mississippi, and Georgia. It lives within the Tennessee River drainage and nearby river systems.
Preferred Habitat
This species prefers clear, flowing streams and rivers with rocky or gravel bottoms. It favors habitats with plenty of submerged rocks, logs, and aquatic plants for cover.
Behavior
Feeding Habits
The stripe-neck musk turtle is omnivorous, feeding on aquatic insects, small snails, crustaceans, and plant material. It spends most of its time foraging along the river bottom.
Predators
Common predators include large fish, wading birds, raccoons, and larger turtles. Hatchlings are especially vulnerable due to their small size.
Reproduction
Breeding Season
Mating occurs in spring and fall, with females nesting in late spring to early summer.
Reproductive Method
Females lay small clutches of 1 to 5 eggs in sandy or loamy soil close to water. Eggs hatch after about 60 to 90 days, depending on conditions.
Conservation
Extinction Status
The stripe-neck musk turtle is currently listed as Least Concern, though some local populations face threats.
Threats
Water pollution, habitat loss from dam construction and land development, and human interference all pose risks to this species. Collection for the pet trade could also become a concern in the future.
Conservation Measures
Conserving clean water habitats and protecting stream ecosystems are important for this species. Local efforts to protect waterways within its range also benefit the population.
Economic Importance
The stripe-neck musk turtle has limited economic importance, though it occasionally appears in the pet trade due to its small size and attractive markings. It helps control populations of aquatic insects and snails, supporting the health of freshwater ecosystems.
Interesting Facts
The stripe-neck musk turtle is one of the few musk turtles with such distinct neck markings, making it easier to identify than some of its relatives. Like other musk turtles, it can release a strong-smelling musk from glands near its shell to ward off predators, which is how all musk turtles earned their name.
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.
