mer rhes OF THE VICINITY OF NEW YORK CITY 129 
The Mud Turtle, Ainosternon pennsylvanicum (Figs. 31 and 
32), is often confounded with the Musk Turtle (Aromochelys 
odoratus), which it resembles in shape and size. The 
principal differences between the two species are in 
the markings of the head and the width of the plastron. 
The head of the Musk Turtle shows on each side two distinct, 
yellowish stripes, beginning at the tip of the snout and running 
to the neck, and the plastron is very narrow and is much shorter 
than the carapace, affording little protection. The Mud Turtle, 
on the other hand, shows no stripes upon the head and neck; the 
head is irregularly speckled with green or yellow; the plastron 
is wide, is but a trifle shorter than the carapace, and can be closed 
to afford substantial protection. The average length of the Mud 
Turtle in this vicinity is about three and one-half inches when 
adult. It is not as common as the Musk Turtle. 
Range: The eastern United States from New York to the 
Gulf of Mexico. 
Local distribution: General in slow-running, muddy streams 
and ponds. 
The Musk Turtle, Aromochelys odoratus (Figs. 33, 34 and 35), 
may be distinguished from the Mud Turtle, which it closely re- 
sembles, by the points given under the preceding caption. 
Mud 
Turtle. 
7, 
FIG. 32. MUD TURTLE; ON ITS BACK 
