Mexican musk turtle
Species of turtle
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Mexican musk turtle (Staurotypus triporcatus), also known commonly as the giant musk turtle, is a species of turtle in the family Kinosternidae. The species occurs in Central America and Mexico.
| Mexican musk turtle | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Staurotypus triporcatus | |
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Reptilia |
| Order: | Testudines |
| Suborder: | Cryptodira |
| Family: | Kinosternidae |
| Genus: | Staurotypus |
| Species: | S. triporcatus |
| Binomial name | |
| Staurotypus triporcatus (Wiegmann, 1828) | |
| Synonyms[2] | |
| |
Geographic range
Description
S. triporcatus is typically much larger than other species of Kinosternidae, attaining a straight carapace length of up to 36 cm (14 in), with males being significantly smaller than females. It is typically brown, black, or green in color, with a yellow underside. The carapace is distinguished by three distinct ridges, or keels, which run the length.[citation needed]
S. triporcatus exhibits XX/XY sex determination, in contrast to the temperature-dependent sex determination of most turtles.[4]
Diet
Like other musk turtle species, S. triporcatus is carnivorous, eating various types of aquatic invertebrates, as well as fish and carrion.[citation needed].
