Yellow Mud Turtle
Yellow mud turtles are a species of special concern in Colorado because of declining populations due to wetland loss.
About This Species
Yellow mud turtles are found in wetlands on the far eastern plains of Colorado. Their shell is dome-shaped and flat on top with yellow marginal shields, relatively large heads and yellow necks.
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Physical Characteristics
Hard, smooth, oval-shaped shell, sometimes with extensive attached algae; throat yellow, with several nipplelike projections; lower shell with 11 shields (shield under neck may be partially divided) and with two crosswise hinges, allowing partial closing of the shell; all toes webbed; upper shell up to about seven inches long, usually less than five and half inches.
Mature male
Lower shell slightly concave; two patches of conspicuous, rough scales on inner surface of each hind leg; tail thick, tipped with a horny nail, extends well beyond rear edge of upper shell, usually curled to one side; grows to larger size than female and has relatively larger head and claws that are longer and more curved.
Mature female
No rough scale patches on hind limbs, tail very short, barely reaching rear edge of upper shell.
Hatchling
Upper shell usually less than 25 mm (1 inch) long; lower shell boldly black and yellow, black dot on rear border of upper shell scutes.
Range
Colorado Distribution: Localized areas along the eastern margin of Colorado. Fairly common in a few areas, generally scarce.
Habitat
Yellow mud turtles require three basic habitats to complete their life cycle: (1) an upland hibernation site, (2) aquatic habitats, often wetlands and other bottomlands, and (3) a sandy site for aestivation (summer dormancy, similar to winter hibernation) and egg-laying. Additionally, they require suitable habitat to move among these sites. They will occupy almost any wetland type that has adjacent sandy areas, such as sand ridges and sandhills.
Diet
Yellow mud turtles are primarily carnivorous, though they do consume duckweed, Their diet consists of snails, fish, crayfish, and other macroinvertebrates.
Reproduction
Females burrow and nest in soft soils up to a couple hundred yards from water, mainly in June but sometimes into July. Hatchlings overwinter on land, then emerge and head to water the following spring. Most hatchlings die in their first year, but survivors commonly live 25 years or more.