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THE MUSK TURTLES 



(Kinosternidae) 

 There is but one species of this family recorded for Michigan. 



Musk Turtle (Sternotberus odoratus) 



Appearance. The Musk Turtle is our smallest turtle. It is distin- 

 guished chiefly by having a highly domed upper shell, usually cov- 

 ered by a growth of algae, by its very pointed nose, and by its pen- 

 etratingly pungent odor. The two yellow stripes at either side of 

 its head are the only conspicuous markings. The shell is olive brown 

 and may be somewhat spotted or streaked. 



The young Musk Turtle has a rough upper shell which is almost 

 as wide as it is long and has a distinct central ridge with a ridge 

 on either side of it. The roughness and the lateral ridge, and often 

 even the central one, disappear with age. 



Size. About 120 mm. long. 



Habitat. Mud-bottomed ponds, rivers, and pools in streams and 

 bays of the Great Lakes are typical locations for this species. 



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