Kinosternon subrubrum steindachneri

Florida Mud Turtle

Florida distribution: peninsular Florida, it intergrades with the Eastern Mud Kinosternon s. subrubrum in the northern part of the state and then the Eastern and Mississippi K. s. hippocrepis intergrade in the panhandle.

Identification: up to 13 cm. Lacks the dorsal carapace stripes found in most Kinosternon baurii. Pectoral scutes are triangular unlike those in Musk Turtles.

This species lacks the 3 dorsal stripes seen on Kinosternon baurii.

This subspecies has a much smaller bridge than the Eastern Mud (Kinosternon subrubrum subrubrum)  and the closely related  Three-stripe Mud Kinosternon baurii.

Hatchling Florida Mud Turtle.

Comparison of Mud (Kinosternon) and Musk (Sternotherus) pectoral scutes.

Kinosternon baurii Three-striped Mud Turtle     Sternotherus m. minor Loggerhead Musk Turtle

Kinosternon subrubrum steindachneri Florida Mud    Sternotherus odoratus Common Musk