Subfamily Staurotypinae Higher classification Staurotypus Order Turtle | Subphylum Vertebrata Genus Staurotypus Phylum Chordata Rank Species | |
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Similar Staurotypus, Turtle, Mexican musk turtle, Reptile, Sternotherus | ||
Chiapas giant musk turtle feeding 2015 01 27 2
The giant musk turtle (Staurotypus salvinii ) is a species of kinosternid turtle, which is endemic to Central America.
Contents
- Chiapas giant musk turtle feeding 2015 01 27 2
- Mexican giant musk turtle
- Geographic range
- Etymology
- Description
- Diet
- References
Mexican giant musk turtle
Geographic range
S. salvinii is found in Belize, El Salvador, Guatemala, and Mexico (Chiapas and Oaxaca).
Etymology
The specific name, salvinii, is in honor of English naturalist and herpetologist Osbert Salvin.
Description
S. salvinii are typically much larger than other species of Kinosternidae, attaining sizes of up to 36 cm (14 inches) carapace length, with males being significantly smaller than females. They are typically brown, black, or green in color, with a yellow underside. The carapace is distinguished by three distinct ridges, or keels which run its length.
Diet
Like other musk turtle species, S. salvinii is carnivorous, eating various types of aquatic invertebrates, as well as fish and carrion.
