Species Reptiles & AmphibiansYellow Mud Turtle

Yellow Mud Turtle

Kinosternon flavescens

CommonReptile & Amphibian
Illustration of Yellow Mud Turtle (Kinosternon flavescens)

The Yellow Mud Turtle is a small, terrestrial turtle of the Great Plains and Southwest. It aestivates during hot dry periods buried in soil. Its double-hinged plastron allows it to completely seal its shell.

Habitat
Grasslands, playas, and stock ponds in arid and semi-arid regions
Diet
Invertebrates, carrion, and plant material
How common
Common

Best time to see a Yellow Mud Turtle

The best time to see a Yellow Mud Turtle is April–June, when about 61% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 1,650 research-grade iNaturalist observations.

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Recent Yellow Mud Turtle sightings near you

Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.

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