Eastern Mud Turtle

Kinosternon subrubrum subrubrum — Kinosternidae

2.75–4 inches

IUCN

Least Concern

Federal (US)

None

Virginia

None

VWAP Tier

Not Listed

Habitat

aquaticsemi-aquaticwetland

Found in Virginia

Coastal plain

How to identify

Small, 2.75–4 inches
Smooth, rounded brown carapace without stripes
Large plastron with two hinges
Plain brown or olive head without distinct stripes
Shallow freshwater and wetland habitat in eastern Virginia

About this species

A small, secretive turtle of shallow, sluggish waters in eastern Virginia, the eastern mud turtle is a generalist that tolerates a wide range of conditions. They are easily confused with the similar musk turtle but can be identified by their larger plastron with two distinct hinges.

Often confused with

Common Musk Turtle (Stinkpot)

Musk turtles have two yellow stripes on each side of the head and a smaller plastron with one hinge

Striped Mud Turtle

Striped mud turtles have light stripes along the carapace; eastern mud turtles have a plain brown shell

Did you know

"Eastern mud turtles can aestivate — burying themselves in mud during dry summer months and entering a dormant state similar to winter hibernation."

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 Eastern Mud Turtle observations on iNaturalist ↗

Found one injured?

If you've found an injured or displaced Eastern Mud Turtle in Virginia, our triage guide walks you through what to do.

Triage guide →