Mud Turtle - Geographic Distribution

Geographic Distribution

Kinosternon subrubrum is a semi-aquatic species of turtles that can be found in or around wetland habitats. They generally are found in freshwater environments, but sometimes they are found in slightly brackish waters as well. These turtles are usually found in shallow waters such as ponds, bogs, marshes, roadside ditches, or wet area where they can retreat underwater. The turtles submerge themselves half in the water and half exposed during the time that they spend in the water. This turtle can dive to around three meters and can hold its breath for 20 minutes without coming back up to the surface. The turtles spend the majority of their year active if the temperature is above 20°C. The reason why these turtles are most active above these temperatures is because the higher the body temperature, the higher the metabolic rate of the turtle. When the turtles are not found on land or in the water, they are in hibernation in burrows made by themselves or other larger animals. This turtle is quite active on land as well as in the water. It is usually found on land after wet weather and during the spring, summer, and fall seasons.

The eastern mud turtles are generally found in the southeast region of the United States. They can be found as far north as Long Island or as far south as Florida. They can also be found as far west as eastern Texas all the way to the eastern shores of the United States.