Stinkpot (
Sternotherus odoratus), Spiny Softshell Turtle (Apalone spinifera), and the Red-eared Slider (Trachemys scripta elegans).
Six turtles representing three species were observed in Fall Creek (Graptemys geographica,
Sternotherus odoratus, and Trachemys scripta).
A variety of turtle species, including Eastern Musk Turtle (
Sternotherus odoratus) and Common Map Turtle (Graptemys geographica), were documented on the ground beneath nests.
Also observed in decreasing abundance were Apalone spinifera (Spiny Softshell; 41), Graptemys geographica (Northern Map Turtle; 8), Chelydra serpentina (Common Snapping Turtle; 3), and
Sternotherus minor (Loggerhead Musk Turtle; 1).
Species I have recorded in the larger Stemler Karst Natural Area that were not detected in SCNP include Spotted Salamander (Ambystoma maculatum), Eastern Tiger Salamander (Ambystoma tigrinum), Prairie Kingsnake (Lampropeltis calligaster), Smooth Earthsnake (Virginia valeriae) and Eastern Musk Turtle (
Sternotherus odoratus).
McPherson and Marion (1981) studied
Sternotherus odoratus from Alabama and noted in the months of July to September that the epididymis are lighter and the testicles are heavier so it is possible to state that there is a movement of spermatozoids.
serpentina, Texas river cooter (Pseudemys texana), red-eared slider (Trachemys scripta elegans), and stinkpot (
Sternotherus odoratus).
However, the movements of Stinkpot Turtles (
Sternotherus odoratus) living in a relatively deep-water lake habitat in Southwestern Michigan were not impacted by variation in weather patterns throughout the year (Rowe et al., 2009).
Tinkle DW (1961) Geographic variations in reproduction, size, sex ratio and maturity of
Sternotherus odoratus (Testudinata: Chelydridae).
Werle found two
Sternotherus odoratus, or musk turtles, ("They're not rare but they're cool"), a lot of Elliptio complanata mussels (which are very common), a swimming garter snake and a few milk bottles from the 1940s.
Nevertheless, a study of
Sternotherus odoratus provided an estimate of mean aquatic home range size of 155 ha (minimum convex polygon) for males (Edmonds 1998).
Spatial and Temporal Activity and Movement Patterns of Stinkpot turtles (
Sternotherus odoratus) in a Small Lake in Southwestern Michigan.
Sternotherus - musk turtles