The Musk or Mud Turtles 



odour is characteristic of all of the Cinosternidce, though par- 

 ticularly pronounced with the species of Aromocbelys. 



Except for the purpose of coming to the shore to deposit 

 its eggs, the Musk Turtle seldom leaves the water. It crawls 

 about on the bottom of rivers and ponds, searching for food 

 to satisfy its voracious and carnivorous appetite. Frequently 

 it runs afoul of the fisherman's hook, baited with small fish or 

 worm. Pulled to the surface it snaps viciously and emits the 

 characteristic odour which gives the species its name. 



As a captive the Musk Turtle is rather timid and, like the 

 snapping turtle, will take advantage of hiding places or dark 

 corners of its tank. Its movements when crawling about the 

 bottom of an aquarium or in swimming show deliberation and 

 perfect ease and prove the creature's fitness for exploring the 

 muddy beds of rivers. As an experiment the writer kept several 

 specimens in a deep aquarium, without means of leaving the 

 water, or obtaining a foothold at the top, to breathe. The 

 test continued for several weeks. These turtles either crawled 

 about the bottom of the tank or swam leisurely to the surface 

 for a breath of air. They fed readily and from all indications 

 would have lived indefinitely under such conditions. Pond 

 turtles or river turtles terrapin if thus treated, would have 

 soon become exhausted and ultimately succumbed by drown- 

 ing. 



During the first warm days of Spring, the Musk Turtles 

 seek very shallow water, and lie basking in the sun. At such 

 times they may be taken in large numbers. 



THE SOUTHERN MUSK TURTLE 



Aromochelys iristycba, (Agassiz) 



At a glance this turtle at once appeals to the preceding 

 species, but the head markings are different, the upper shell 

 is more elongated, while the forward, central shield of the cara- 

 pace is much narrower. 



Colouration. Upper and lower shell like the preceding 

 species. There is a narrow stripe from the snout, extending 

 over the eye, thence back upon the neck. Beneath this is a 

 second stripe, extending from slightly above the angle of the 

 jaw, backward upon the neck. The chin has spots in place of 

 the two light bands of A. odoratus. With some specimens the 



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