Missouri Department of Conservation
Missouri Department of Conservation

Taxonomy

Common Name: TURTLE, YELLOW MUD

Phylum: CHORDATA

Class: REPTILIA

Order: TESTUDINES

Family: KINOSTERNIDAE

Genus: KINOSTERNON

Species: FLAVESCENS

SubSpecies: FLAVESCENS

Taxonomic Authority: (AGASSIZ)

Taxonomy References: 001 , 016 , 023

Status

NONGAME
STATE ENDANGERED
STATE RANK S1
GLOBAL RANK G5T5

Status References: 002 , 005 , 009

Habitat Summary

"Occur in sloughs, marshes, ditches, streams, swamps, ponds, lakes and reservoirs with mud or sand bottom, little or no current, and submerged and floating aquatic vegetation."

Primary Habitat: "Grassland(matrix)"

References: 006 , 007 , 008

Distribution

General Occurrence in State:

"Formerly occurred in southwest corner of state, now considered extirpated.*02*"

County Occurance

County Occurence
Known Likely Unknown Not Likely Historic Extirpated
BARRY ADAIR
CLAY ANDREW
JACKSON ATCHISON
JASPER AUDRAIN
RAY BARTON
BATES
BENTON
BOLLINGER
BOONE
BUCHANAN
BUTLER
CALDWELL
CALLAWAY
CAMDEN
CAPE GIRARDEAU
CARROLL
CARTER
CASS
CEDAR
CHARITON
CHRISTIAN
CLARK
CLINTON
COLE
COOPER
CRAWFORD
DADE
DALLAS
DAVIESS
DEKALB
DENT
DOUGLAS
DUNKLIN
FRANKLIN
GASCONADE
GENTRY
GREENE
GRUNDY
HARRISON
HENRY
HICKORY
HOLT
HOWARD
HOWELL
IRON
JEFFERSON
JOHNSON
KNOX
LACLEDE
LAFAYETTE
LAWRENCE
LEWIS
LINCOLN
LINN
LIVINGSTON
MACON
MADISON
MARIES
MARION
MCDONALD
MERCER
MILLER
MISSISSIPPI
MONITEAU
MONROE
MONTGOMERY
MORGAN
NEW MADRID
NEWTON
NODAWAY
OREGON
OSAGE
OZARK
PEMISCOT
PERRY
PETTIS
PHELPS
PIKE
PLATTE
POLK
PULASKI
PUTNAM
RALLS
RANDOLPH
REYNOLDS
RIPLEY
SALINE
SCHUYLER
SCOTLAND
SCOTT
SHANNON
SHELBY
ST. CHARLES
ST. CLAIR
ST. FRANCOIS
ST. LOUIS
STE. GENEVIEVE
STODDARD
STONE
SULLIVAN
TANEY
TEXAS
VERNON
WARREN
WASHINGTON
WAYNE
WEBSTER
WORTH
WRIGHT

References for distribution: 021 , 019 , 002 , 013 , 014

Distribution by Watersheds

Spring R.
Indian Creek

Comments: "Likely to occur in units listed, based on county occurrence."

Distribution by Ecoregions

Ozark Highlands

Comments: ""

Distribution by Potential Natural Vegetation

Cedar Glades
Oak-Hickory Forest

Distribution by Natural Divisions of Missouri

Ozark: Elk River
Ozark: White River

Habitat Associations

Species is associated with "Terrestrial/Aquatic" habitats.

National Wetlands Inventory Association:

Lacustrine
Palustrine
Riverine

Aquatic Associations:

"See Comments"
"Lacustrine, littoral", "Aquatic bed, floating vascular"
"Lacustrine, littoral", "Aquatic bed, unknown submergent"
"Lacustrine, littoral", "Unconsolidated bottom, sand"
"Lacustrine, littoral", "Unconsolidated bottom, mud"
"Palustrine", "Aquatic bed, floating vascular"
"Palustrine", "Aquatic bed, unknown submergent"
"Palustrine", "Forested"
"Palustrine", "Unconsolidated bottom, sand"
"Palustrine", "Unconsolidated bottom, mud"
"Riverine, unknown perennial", "Aquatic bed, floating vascular"
"Riverine, unknown perennial", "Aquatic bed, unknown submergent"
"Riverine, unknown perennial", "Unconsolidated bottom, sand"
"Riverine, unknown perennial", "Unconsolidated bottom, mud"

References for Aquatic Associations: 002 , 006 , 007 , 008

Habitat Types:

Swamp
Pond, Lake, Reservoir
Marsh
Permanent Stream

References for Habitat Types: 022 , 002 , 003 , 006 , 007 , 008

Terrestrial Natural Communities:

Wetland
Marshes
Freshwater Marsh
Swamps
Swamp
Pond Swamp
Shrub Swamp
Pond Shrub Swamp

References for Terrestrial Natural Communities: 006 , 007 , 008

Food Habits

Trophic Level:

"Omnivore"

Larval Food Habits

Comments for larval food habits:
""

References for larval food habits:

Juvenile Food Habits

Comments for Juvenile Food Habits:
""

References Juvenile Food Habits

Adult Food Habits

Amphibians; Not Specified
Carrion; Not Specified
See comments on seasonal variation; Not Specified
Plants; Not Specified
Molluscs; Not Specified
Snails; Not Specified
Crustaceans; Not Specified
Malacostraca (lobster, shrimp, crayfish, crabs); Not Specified
Insects Insects; Not Specified

Comments for Adult Food Habits:
""

References Adult Food Habits 007 , 010

Niche Requirements

Egg Niche Requirements

References for egg niches requirements:

Feeding Larvae Niche Requirements

References for feeding larvae niche requirements:

Resting Larvae Niche Requirements

References for resting Larvae niche requirements:

Feeding Juvenile Niche Requirements

Bottom type: mud or silt
Bottom type: sand
Aquatic vegetation
Density of aquatic vegetation specified in comments(00130)
Current velocity: no noticable current
Current velocity: slow current
Water level: permanently flooded
Water level: intermittently exposed
Ground water
Water depth specified in comments(00230)
Inland wetlands: swamp
Inland wetlands: slough, bayou
Inland wetlands: ditch
Inland wetlands: permanent stream
Inland wetlands: pond, lake, reservoir
Inland wetlands: sinkhole
Inland wetlands: backwaters
Air temperature specified in comments(00290)
Human association specified in comments(00690)

References for feeding juvenile niche requirements: 006 , 007 , 008

Resting Juvenile Niche Requirements

Bottom type: mud or silt
Bottom type: sand
Aquatic vegetation
Density of aquatic vegetation specified in comments(00130)
Current velocity: no noticable current
Current velocity: slow current
Water level: permanently flooded
Water level: intermittently exposed
Floodplain
Water depth specified in comments(00230)
Inland wetlands: swamp
Inland wetlands: slough, bayou
Inland wetlands: ditch
Inland wetlands: permanent stream
Inland wetlands: pond, lake, reservoir
Inland wetlands: sinkhole
Inland wetlands: backwaters
General habitat association specified in comments(00270)
Air temperature specified in comments(00290)
Human association specified in comments(00690)

References for resting juvenile niche requirements: 020 , 006 , 007 , 008

Breeding Adult Niche Requirements

Water depth specified in comments(00230)

References for feeding Adult niche requirements: 011

Feeding Adult Niche Requirements

Bottom type: mud or silt
Bottom type: sand
Aquatic vegetation
Density of aquatic vegetation specified in comments(00130)
Current velocity: no noticable current
Current velocity: slow current
Water level: permanently flooded
Water level: intermittently exposed
Floodplain
Water depth specified in comments(00230)
Inland wetlands: swamp
Inland wetlands: marsh
Inland wetlands: slough, bayou
Inland wetlands: ditch
Inland wetlands: permanent stream
Inland wetlands: pond, lake, reservoir
Inland wetlands: sinkhole
Inland wetlands: oxbow
Inland wetlands: backwaters
Air temperature specified in comments(00290)
Human association specified in comments(00690)

References for feeding adult niche requirements: 006 , 007 , 008

Resting Adult Niche Requirements

Bottom type: mud or silt
Bottom type: sand
Aquatic vegetation
Density of aquatic vegetation specified in comments(00130)
Current velocity: no noticable current
Current velocity: slow current
Water level: permanently flooded
Water level: intermittently exposed
Floodplain
Water depth specified in comments(00230)
Inland wetlands: swamp
Inland wetlands: marsh
Inland wetlands: slough, bayou
Inland wetlands: ditch
Inland wetlands: permanent stream
Inland wetlands: pond, lake, reservoir
Inland wetlands: sinkhole
Inland wetlands: oxbow
Inland wetlands: backwaters
Air temperature specified in comments(00290)
Human association specified in comments(00690)

References for resting adult niche requirements: 006 , 007 , 008 , 012

Niche Requirement Summary

Air temperature specified in comments(00290)
Aquatic vegetation
Bottom type specified in comments(00100)
Bottom type: mud or silt
Bottom type: sand
Current velocity: no noticable current
Current velocity: slow current
Density of aquatic vegetation specified in comments(00130)
Floodplain
General habitat association specified in comments(00270)
Ground water
Human association specified in comments(00690)
Inland wetlands: backwaters
Inland wetlands: ditch
Inland wetlands: marsh
Inland wetlands: oxbow
Inland wetlands: permanent stream
Inland wetlands: pond, lake, reservoir
Inland wetlands: sinkhole
Inland wetlands: slough, bayou
Inland wetlands: swamp
Other niche requirements specified in comments(99999)
Water depth specified in comments(00230)
Water level: intermittently exposed
Water level: permanently flooded

Comments about Life History:

Code Comment
033 Frequently migrate from one body water to another *07,08*.
003 Often associated with basicladia (algae), which grows on posterior 1/3 of carapace.*08*
006 Bottom feeder in OK study.*10*
007 Breed late April to mid-May *14*, nesting probably occurs July and aug *07*
018 Clutch 2-6 *14*. In NE, 4-9, average 6.9, and is pos. Correlated with body size *18*
022 In OK,males mature at 4-7 years, females at 5-8 years when carapace 8-12 cm long *11*. In NE, females mature at approximately 90 mm at average of 11 years *18*.
028 Average activity range in OK for male: 0.26 acres, for female: 0.31 acres *08*.
030 In OK, 140 day annual activity period, may aestivate during summer and remain inactive until spring *08*. Usually active April-October *14* in April/May, active 9 am-8 pm, in June/July, active midnight to 7:30 am, and 4 pm-7 pm *08*.
031 In NE, 81% mortality 1st year. Juveniles have 30-70% annual survivorship, greater than90% survivorship by 6th year and greater than95% by 8th year *18*
035 Predators include fish, turtles, snakes, coons, skunks, opposum and man *07,08,17*. Eggs subject to dessication *08*.

Life History Information

Home range size specified in comments(028)
Periodicity specified in comments(030)
Mortality rate specified in comments(031)
Migration patterns specified in comments(033)
Regulatory factors specified in comments(035)
Origin in state: native
Seasonal distribution in state: all seasons
Closely associated plant or animal species specified in comments(003)
Foraging strategy: probing
Foraging strategy: grazing
Foraging strategy: scavenging
Foraging sites: water
Foraging height specified in comments(006)
Breeding season specified in comments(007)
Nest/den site: hole in the ground
Clutch/litter size specified in comments(018)
Age at sexual maturity specified in comments(022)

Comments about Life History:

Code Comment
033 Frequently migrate from one body water to another *07,08*.
003 Often associated with basicladia (algae), which grows on posterior 1/3 of carapace.*08*
006 Bottom feeder in OK study.*10*
007 Breed late April to mid-May *14*, nesting probably occurs July and aug *07*
018 Clutch 2-6 *14*. In NE, 4-9, average 6.9, and is pos. Correlated with body size *18*
022 In OK,males mature at 4-7 years, females at 5-8 years when carapace 8-12 cm long *11*. In NE, females mature at approximately 90 mm at average of 11 years *18*.
028 Average activity range in OK for male: 0.26 acres, for female: 0.31 acres *08*.
030 In OK, 140 day annual activity period, may aestivate during summer and remain inactive until spring *08*. Usually active April-October *14* in April/May, active 9 am-8 pm, in June/July, active midnight to 7:30 am, and 4 pm-7 pm *08*.
031 In NE, 81% mortality 1st year. Juveniles have 30-70% annual survivorship, greater than90% survivorship by 6th year and greater than95% by 8th year *18*
035 Predators include fish, turtles, snakes, coons, skunks, opposum and man *07,08,17*. Eggs subject to dessication *08*.

References for life history: 002 , 007 , 008 , 010 , 011 , 014 , 018

Management

Beneficial Management Practices:

Beneficial Management References:

Adverse Managment Practices:

Adverse Management References:

Comments on Management:

References for Management Comments:

References

Reference Code Citation
001 Unpb Missouri Department Of Conservation. Checklist Of Missouri Amphibians And Reptiles. Po Box 180. Jefferson City, Mo. 65102.
002 Unpb Johnson, Tom R. Mo Dept Conserv. Po Box 180. Jefferson City, Mo 65102. (573)751-4115.
003 Kelly, G. (Ed.) 1986. Animal Habitat Relations Handbook. Mo Dept. Of Conservation and U.S.D.A. Forest Service. Jefferson City, Mo. 293 Pp.
004 Thom, R.H. and J.H. Wilson. 1980 The Natural Divisions Of Missouri. Trans. Mo Acad. Sci. 14:9-24.
005 The Wildlife Code of Missouri. Missouri Department of Conservation, P.O. Box 180, Jefferson City, MO 65102. 573-751-4115.
006 Anderson, P. 1965. The Reptiles Of Missouri. Univ. Missouri Press, Columbia, Mo. 330pp.
007 Collins, J.T. 1974. Amphibians And Reptiles In Kansas. Univ. Kansas Mus. Nat. Hist. Publ. Ed. Series No. 1. Lawrence, Ks. 283 Pp.
008 Mahmoud, I.Y. 1969. Comparative Ecology Of The Kinosternid Turtles Of Oklahoma. Sw Nat 14(1):31-66.
009 Rare And Endangered Species Checklist Of Missouri. 1997. MO Dept. Of Conservation. Natural Heritage Database. 33 Pp.
010 Mahmoud, I.Y. 1968. Feeding Behavior In Kinosternid Turtles. Herpetologica 24(4):300-305.
011 Mahmoud, I.Y. 1967. Courtship Behavior And Sexual Maturity In Four Species Of Kinosterid Turtles. Copeia 1967:573-319.
012 Webster, C. 1986. Substrate Preference And Activity In The Turtle, Kinosternon Flavescens Flavescens. J. Herp. 20:477-482.
013 Unpb Missouri Department of Conservation Heritage Database. P.O. Box 180, Jefferson City, Mo 65102.
014 Johnson, T.R. 2000. The Amphibians And Reptiles Of Missouri, 2nd. Ed. Missouri Dept. Of Conservation. Jefferson City, Mo. 400 Pp.
016 Missouri Herpetological Association. 1989. Missouri Herpetological Association Newsletter. No. 2.
017 Collins, J.T. (Ed.). 1990. Standard Common And Current Scientifc Names For North American Amphibians And Reptiles, 3rd Ed. Soc. For The Study Of Amphibians and Reptiles, Herp. Cir. No. 19. 41 Pp.
018 Iverson, J.B. 1990. Nesting And Parental Care In The Yellow Mud Turtle Kinosternon Flavescens. Can. J. Zool. 68:230-233.
019 Daniel, R.E. and B.S. Edmond. 2002. Revised county distribution maps of amphibians and reptiles of Missouri. MO Herp. Assoc. Newsletter 15:16-38.
020 Costanzo, J.P., J.B. Iverson, M.F. Wright and R.E. Lee, Jr. 1995. Cold Hardiness And Overwintering Strategies Of Hatchlings In An Assemblage Of Northern Turtles. Ecology 76(6):1772-1785.
021 Powell, R., T.R. Johnson and D.D. Smith. 1997. New Records Of Amphibians And Reptiles In Missouri For 1997. Mo Herp. Assoc. Newsletter 10:8-12.
022 Missouri Natural Heritage Program. 2003. Missouri Species and Communities of Conservation Concern Checklist. Mo Dept. Of Conservation. Jefferson City, Mo. xv + 29 Pp.
023 Crother, B.I. (Ed.). 2008. Scientific and standard English names of amphibians and reptiles of North America north of Mexico, with comments regarding confidence in our understanding (6th ed.). Society for the study of amphibians and reptiles. Herpetological Circular No. 37.