Species Reptiles & AmphibiansRazor-backed Musk Turtle

Razor-backed Musk Turtle

Sternotherus carinatus

CommonReptile & Amphibian
Illustration of Razor-backed Musk Turtle (Sternotherus carinatus)

The Razor-backed Musk Turtle has a distinctive keel running along the center of its domed shell. It is highly aquatic and walks on the bottom of streams and bayous. Found in rivers and bayous of the Gulf Coast plain.

Habitat
Streams, bayous, and swamps in the Gulf Coast plain
Diet
Mollusks, crayfish, and aquatic insects
How common
Common

Best time to see a Razor-backed Musk Turtle

The best time to see a Razor-backed Musk Turtle is March–July, when about 61% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 1,100 research-grade iNaturalist observations.

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Recent Razor-backed Musk Turtle sightings near you

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

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