TURTLES AND BATRACHIANS OF THE LAKE REGION. 479 



3. Kinosternon odoratum (Latreille). 

 Musk Turtle. 



The Musk Turtle, also called the Stink-pot, ranges from the eastern 

 United States westward to northern Illinois. It is abundant in most parts of 

 its habitat, particularly in the small lakes in the upper Mississippi Valley. 

 At Lake Maxinkuckee it is one of the most abundant species, it being exceeded 

 in numbers only by the Map, and possibly, by the Painted, Turtle. On ac- 

 count of its not hpving the basking habit well developed it is, however, far 

 less conspicuous than either of those species. 



The Musk Turtles seem to spend most of their time walking about on the 

 bottom of the lake, and are particularly fond of muddy places, the Outlet 

 region. Green's marsh. Lost Lake and the Inlet, being their favorite haunts. 

 They are also found up Aubeenaubee Creek, a region well suited to them. 

 Thif turtle is not built well for swimming, as it is quite deep in proportion 

 to its diameters. There is, however, an immense amount of individual varia- 

 tion in this respect. It is a strictly aquatic species, and comes out on dry 

 land, or even in the marshes, quite infrequently. It is noc so much in evidence 

 early in the spring as the Map and Painted turtles, and is rarely seen basking. 

 The great majority of the numerous examples we have seen were observed 

 in shallow water in such places as Outlet Bay, either walking slowly about 

 on the bottom or partially concealed in the Chara; very rarely have they 

 been observed swimming freely. 



We have observed them during every month in the year except January 

 and February. Our earliest record is March 18 (1901) , when one was obtained 

 near the railroad and another was seen on the bottom in Culver Inlet. P^om 

 that date onward they could be seen any day when the water was smooth and 

 the conditions favorable for observation. Even after the lake freezes over 

 they may be seen. Our latest record is for December 31 (1904), when one was 

 observed through the ice in Outlet Bay. It is, therefore, active practically 

 throughout the year. On December 20, 5 were found alive in a mink burrow. 



Although this species does not usually bask, it does so occasionally. 

 Among a hundred turtles seen basking, probably there would be one or two 

 Musk Turtles. They are quite disposed, however, to rest quietly in the 

 water with the head just above the surface. 



In disposition, this is the most vicious of any of our species except the 

 Soft-shell and the Snapper. It is very sly and apt to take hold of one's finger 

 when least expected. It holds on tenaciously and would be capable of in- 

 flicting a painful wound were its size not so diminutive. 



As to food, one was seen June 6, 1901, in company with a Painted Turtle, 

 swimming along behind a dead floating fish, and nibbling bites out of it. 

 Also, in the late autumn (Oct. 30, 1904) one was seen nibbling at the body of 

 a grass pike 13 inches long that lay on the bottom at the head of the Outlet. 

 This turtle or others stayed near the fish several days, but did not seem to 



