Razor-backed musk turtle
A species of Musk turtles Scientific name : Sternotherus carinatus Genus : Musk turtles
Razor-backed musk turtle, A species of Musk turtles
Scientific name: Sternotherus carinatus
Genus: Musk turtles
Content
Description General Info
Photo By Peter Paplanus , used under CC-BY-2.0 /Cropped and compressed from original 
Description
The razor-backed musk turtle (Sternotherus carinatus) is a species of turtles native to the southern United States. No subspecies are recognized.
General Info
Lifespan
20-30 years
Diet
Razor-backed musk turtle, commonly known as the Razor-backed Musk Turtle, is an omnivorous species that primarily dines on aquatic invertebrates, notably snails, insects, and crustaceans. Plant matter and carrion supplement this protein-rich diet.
Appearance
Razor-backed musk turtle is a small, aquatic turtle with a highly domed, sharply keeled carapace (shell). It has skin that varies from dark brown to black. Notable are the yellow stripes on the head and neck. There are marginal serrations at its posterior end, and a short, non-prehensile tail. Its plastron (underside of the shell) is small and has large openings. No significant visual differences exist due to age, gender or subspecies.
Behavior
Razor-backed musk turtle is notable for its nocturnal behavior, and is predominantly solitary, interacting with others mostly during the mating season. It shows territorial instincts defending areas near its nesting site. Primarily carnivorous, razor-backed musk turtle is an efficient forager, often hunting at night for small aquatic organisms. Its shell provides efficient camouflage assisting in both predation and protection.
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Chordates Class
Reptiles Order
Testudines Family
Mud turtles Genus
Musk turtles Species
Razor-backed musk turtle 
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