White-lipped mud turtle
A species of Mud turtles Scientific name : Kinosternon leucostomum Genus : Mud turtles
White-lipped mud turtle, A species of Mud turtles
Scientific name: Kinosternon leucostomum
Genus: Mud turtles
Content
Description General Info
Photo By pauloc1985 , used under CC-BY-SA-4.0 /Cropped and compressed from original 
Description
The white-lipped mud turtle (Kinosternon leucostomum) is a species of mud turtle in the family Kinosternidae. The species is endemic to Central America and northwestern South America.
General Info
Lifespan
10-15 years
Diet
White-lipped mud turtle primarily feeds on aquatic plants. Its diet is vegetative in nature, majorly comprising algae and various aquatic weeds. However, it also consumes small invertebrates like insects and crustaceans.
Appearance
White-lipped mud turtle is a small to medium-sized turtle with an oval-shaped shell. It tends toward a dark coloration, often appearing grey, black, or brown with a rough texture. The head is moderately large, equipped with a sharp beak. It has visible yellow or cream stripes running from the snout to the neck. The belly is flat, with noticeably well-developed limbs and a short tail. Male and female individuals can be differentiated by their tails, with males having larger and thicker ones.
Behavior
White-lipped mud turtle is a solitary and nocturnal species primarily adapted for semi-aquatic environments. This reptile displays notable digging behavior for both foraging and nest construction. Predominantly carnivorous, it leverages its olfactory tracking ability to feed on insects, mollusks, and small fish. Known for territorial aggression, white-lipped mud turtle's males use physical conflict to dispute over mates.
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Chordates Class
Reptiles Order
Testudines Family
Mud turtles Genus
Mud turtles Species
White-lipped mud turtle 
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