Creaser's Mud Turtle

About the Creaser's Mud Turtle

Creaser's mud turtle (Kinosternon creaseri) is a species of mud turtle in the family Kinosternidae. The species is endemic to the Yucatán Peninsula in southeastern Mexico. The specific name, creaseri, is in honor of American zoologist Edwin Phillip Creaser (1907–1981).

K. creaseri is found in the Mexican states of Campeche, Quintana Roo, and Yucatan. A 1988 study found that the densest population occurred in Quintana Roo, as the state had been subjected to less deforestation than Campeche or Yucatán.

The preferred natural habitat of K. creaseri is small temporary pools of water in forests, shrubland, and freshwater wetlands, although they may occasionally be found in permanent pools of water as well. These temporary pools of water are generally devoid of fish.

The species is of average size for the genus Kinosternon. Males are slightly larger than females. The average carapace length of males is 11.5 cm, while female average carapace length is 10.7 cm. The largest male on record had a carapace length of 12.5 cm. Males can also be distinguished from females by their longer tails.

The species can be identified by its distinctive,... Wikipedia →