Common Musk Turtle (Stinkpot)

Sternotherus odoratus — Kinosternidae

2–4.5 inches

IUCN

Least Concern

Federal (US)

None

Virginia

None

VWAP Tier

Not Listed

Habitat

aquatic

Found in Virginia

Statewide

How to identify

Very small, 2–4.5 inches
Two yellow stripes on each side of the head
Small plastron with single hinge
Dark brown to black, smooth or slightly keeled carapace
Releases strong musk when handled

About this species

One of Virginia's smallest turtles, the common musk turtle earns its nickname 'stinkpot' from the foul-smelling musk it releases when handled. Despite their tiny size, they have disproportionately large heads and powerful jaws. They are almost entirely aquatic and rarely venture far from water.

Often confused with

Eastern Mud Turtle

Mud turtles have a larger plastron with two hinges and lack the yellow head stripes of musk turtles

Striped Mud Turtle

Striped mud turtles have light stripes on the carapace; musk turtles have stripes on the head only

Did you know

"Stinkpots are surprisingly good climbers — they are regularly found basking in tree branches hanging over water, sometimes as high as 6 feet up."

Sightings & citizen science

Help document Virginia wildlife by logging your sightings on iNaturalist. Every observation builds the conservation data that researchers and rehabbers depend on.

View Common Musk Turtle (Stinkpot) observations on iNaturalist ↗

Found one injured?

If you've found an injured or displaced Common Musk Turtle (Stinkpot) in Virginia, our triage guide walks you through what to do.

Triage guide →