Oklahoma Water Turtles:Ways to identify.

 

Oklahoma Water Turtles

Description: 

Turtles, those enigmatic and ancient creatures, defy political boundaries as they roam through various habitats. In the diverse landscape of Oklahoma, you'll encounter a fascinating array of turtles. While no turtle species exclusively resides within the state, Oklahoma shares its waters with 17 distinctive turtle species, 15 of which are aquatic. These turtles belong to four distinct families: Kinosternidae (mud turtles), Emydidae (box turtles, map turtles, and basking turtles), Trionychidae (softshell turtles), and Chelydridae (large carnivorous turtles). 

Aquatic Diversity: 

Two members of the Emydidae family, the ornate box turtle (Terrapene ornata) and the three-toed box turtle (Terrapene carolina triunguis), prefer terrestrial habitats and are often kept as pets. The remaining species, a vibrant assortment, call the streams and lakes of Oklahoma home. 

Aromatic Defense of Kinosternidae: 

Four members of the Kinosternidae family reside in Oklahoma, linked by an unusual defense mechanism - their odor. Among them, two are known as mud turtles due to their habitat in muddy stream beds and irrigation ditches. The other two, called musk turtles, possess the ability to emit a pungent odor when threatened. The common musk turtle (Sternotherus odoratus) even earned the nickname "stinkpot turtle" due to its potent defense. However, all Kinosternidae members share this trait. 

Rare Gems: 

Razor-Backed Musk Turtles The razor-backed musk turtle (Sternotherus carinatus) is one of Oklahoma's rarest turtle species. Despite its diminutive size, it leaves a memorable mark. Alongside it, the yellow mud turtle (Kinosternon flavescens) and the Mississippi mud turtle (Kinosternon subrubrum hippocrepis) represent the Kinosternidae family. Their unmarked, smooth shells tell tales of their aquatic lifestyle, with the razor-backed musk turtle sporting a distinctive fringe on its shell. 

Mapping the Landscape: Map Turtles

Eastern Oklahoma's streams come alive with the presence of three map turtle species: the common map turtle (Graptemys geographica), the Ouachita map turtle (Graptemys ouachitensis ouachitensis), and the Mississippi map turtle (Graptemys pseudogeographica kohnii). Their shells bear intricate markings that resemble maps, making them easy to identify. These map turtles belong to the Emydidae family, which also houses basking turtles known for their sun-soaked lounging on rocks and logs near water bodies. 

Diverse Baskers: 

Among Emydidae's ranks, four basking turtle species further diversify the landscape. The painted turtle (Chrysemys picta) showcases its vibrant markings on its mid- to dark green shell. The western chicken turtle (Deirochelys reticularia miaria) stands out with its green, pear-shaped shell adorned with yellow stripes on its head, legs, and neck. The eastern river cooter (Pseudemys concinna concinna) boasts a larger stature and distinctive C-shaped yellow markings on its shell. The ubiquitous red-eared slider (Trachemys scripta elegans) claims its territory as the most common turtle in Oklahoma, recognized by the red patches behind its eyes. 

The Elusive Softshell Turtles: 

Spotting the softshell turtles, members of the Trionychidae family, can be a challenge. Their preference for shallow waters and mud-covered hiding spots often obscures their presence. The smooth softshell (Apalone mutica mutica) and the spiny softshell (Apalone spinifera) are both sizable, with brown shells adorned by leathery skin. The spiny softshell distinguishes itself with spiny projections along its shell's front edge. 

Majestic Carnivores of Chelydridae: 

Chelydridae, the family of large carnivorous turtles, is represented by two formidable species.The normal snapping turtle (Chelydra serpentina) shows a length of up to 18 inches and a weight going from 35 to 50 pounds. With its dark gray to light brown shell and greenish gray to black skin, it's an undeniable presence.On the other hand, the alligator snapping turtle (Macrochelys temminckii) takes size to another level, weighing between 80 and 100 pound.

Frequently asked questions and answers: 

1/ What kind of water turtles are in Oklahoma? 

Answer: 1) Pond slider (Trachemys scripta) 2) Common box turtle (Terrapene carolina) 3) Western box turtle (Terrapene ornata) 4) Common snapping turtle (Chelydra serpentina) 5) River cooter (Pseudemys concinna) 

2/ What do Oklahoma water turtles eat? 

Answer: These turtles are omnivores who mainly feed on crustaceans, fish, insects, and mollusks as well as plants.Jul 14, 2021 

3/ Are there turtles in Oklahoma? 

Answer: The ornate box turtle is one of two truly terrestrial turtles in Oklahoma. The another is the eastern box or three toad turtle. 

4/ What is the largest turtle in Oklahoma? 

Answer: The alligator snapping turtle is Oklahoma's largest turtle and the largest freshwater turtle found in North America. Adults may reach up to 250 pounds.These turtles have a snared bill, three unmistakable edges on the shell, and a smooth tail.

Author:Kanak barua 

Naturalist, library specialist, 

information retrieval specialist, 

biodiversity conservation worker. 

He obtained Masters degree from 

University of Dhaka in information science.