Herrera's mud turtle facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Herrera's mud turtle |
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| Conservation status | |
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| Genus: |
Kinosternon
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| Species: |
herrerai
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The Herrera's mud turtle (Kinosternon herrerai) is a type of mud turtle. It belongs to the Kinosternidae family. This turtle is found only in Mexico.
Contents
What's in a Name?
The scientific name, herrerai, honors a Mexican biologist. His name was Alfonso Luis Herrera.
Where They Live
Herrera's mud turtles live in several states in Mexico. You can find them in Hidalgo, Puebla, San Luis Potosí, Tamaulipas, and Veracruz.
Their Home Environment
These turtles prefer to live in fresh water that stays around all the time. They can be found from sea level up to about 1,150 meters (3,770 feet) high.
Life Cycle and Habits
Studies show that male Herrera's mud turtles grow larger than females. Males also have a smaller bottom shell, called a plastron. Their top shell, or carapace, is also narrower and not as deep.
What They Eat
Herrera's mud turtles eat a variety of foods. They are omnivores, meaning they eat both plants and animals. Their diet includes wild figs, different kinds of insects, and millipedes.
Reproduction
Female turtles are ready to have babies when their top shell is about 115 to 130 mm (4.5 to 5.1 inches) long. They usually lay 2 to 4 eggs in a clutch. A female turtle might lay several groups of eggs during one breeding season.
