How difficult is it to keep Yellow Mud Turtle?

Intermediate. This is an intermediate-level species. Some prior experience and knowledge of environmental management are recommended.

What is the lifespan of Yellow Mud Turtle?

The average lifespan of Yellow Mud Turtle is More than 40 years. With proper care and nutrition, they can live a long and healthy life.

How large does Yellow Mud Turtle get?

Yellow Mud Turtle typically reaches Maximum carapace length 16.8 cm (males larger; females up to 12.8 cm) as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.

What should I feed Yellow Mud Turtle?

Yellow Mud Turtle feeds on: Omnivore (worms, crayfish, frogs, snails, fish, aquatic insects, plants). Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.

What is the typical price for Yellow Mud Turtle?

The price of Yellow Mud Turtle varies significantly depending on morph, size, and lineage. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.

Source: Wikimedia Commons

Yellow Mud Turtle

Intermediate

Kinosternon flavescens

A small mud turtle named for the yellow on its throat, head and neck. It has a flat carapace and a double-hinged plastron, spends much of the year estivating underground and can live over 40 years.

Difficulty

Intermediate

Temperature

25〜32℃

Lifespan

More than 40 years

Size

Maximum carapace length 16.8 cm (males larger; females up to 12.8 cm)

Humidity

40〜70%

Diet

Omnivore (worms, crayfish, frogs, snails, fish, aquatic insects, plants)

About

The yellow mud turtle is a kinosternid of the central and south-western United States (Arizona, Colorado, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas) and north-eastern Mexico. Isolated populations in Iowa, Illinois and Missouri are thought to be relicts of a formerly more eastern range. Maximum carapace length is 16.8 cm; males are larger, and females reach 12.8 cm. The flat, keelless carapace is broadly oval from above and yellow to brown with darker seams. Yellow on the throat, head and sides of the neck gives rise to its common and scientific names. The plastron has two hinges so each end can close separately, and males have a blunt spine at the tail tip. Four subspecies were once recognized, but the Arizona and Durango forms are now widely treated as separate species and no subspecies are recognized. It spends most of the year estivating underground and becomes active when rain refills ponds; in dry years it may stay buried for up to 24 months. Unusually for a turtle, the female stays with her eggs for a period after laying. In Japan small numbers are sold by specialist shops.

Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Lifespan of the Yellow Mud Turtle

The Yellow Mud Turtle lives More than 40 years.

Size of the Yellow Mud Turtle

The Yellow Mud Turtle grows to Maximum carapace length 16.8 cm (males larger; females up to 12.8 cm).

Basic Info

Origin

Central to south-western United States and north-eastern Mexico

Lifespan

More than 40 years

References & Sources

Edited & verified by: BreederDirect editorial team

The taxonomic, regulatory, and husbandry data on this page are compiled and verified against the authoritative primary sources below.

Primary sources

Taxonomy & Authority

Accepted name: Kinosternon flavescens (Agassiz, 1857)

Synonyms: Cinosternon flavescens Agassiz, 1857, Cinosternum flavescens Cope, 1875, Platythyra flavescens Agassiz, 1857

Authority databases: GBIF · The Reptile Database: Kinosternon flavescens · GBIF: Kinosternon flavescens

Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.

Regulations & Conservation Status

CITES Appendix II

Listed in CITES Appendix II. International trade requires an export permit from the country of origin, but no registration is needed to keep or transfer the animal within Japan. The whole genus Kinosternon has been listed since 23 February 2023.

Sources: Species+ (CITES): Kinosternon flavescens

Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.