Kinosternidae
Mud and musk turtles are a family of about 23 species of turtles, all of which are found in North and South America. When they are handled these turtles release a foul smelling, musky odor - which gives them their common name. They are found mainly in slow-moving bodies of water with lots of vegetation. They are all carnivorous, eating crustaceans, aquatic insects, molluscs, annelid worms, amphibians, and small fish.
Contributors
Tanya Dewey (author), Animal Diversity Web.
Glossary
- bilateral symmetry
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having body symmetry such that the animal can be divided in one plane into two mirror-image halves. Animals with bilateral symmetry have dorsal and ventral sides, as well as anterior and posterior ends. Synapomorphy of the Bilateria.
- ectothermic
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animals which must use heat acquired from the environment and behavioral adaptations to regulate body temperature
- motile
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having the capacity to move from one place to another.