Eastern mud turtles are omnivores, feeding on a variety of food sources. From aquatic insects and algae to crustaceans and mollusks, these creatures graze.
They are found in ponds and swamps across eastern United States from Texas to New York. Although not endangered, their populations have been negatively impacted by habitat loss, pesticide poisoning, and road mortality.
Contents
Insects
The eastern mud turtle (Kinosternon subrubrum) is an omnivorous reptile. It feeds on insects, crustaceans, mollusks, amphibians, carrion and aquatic vegetation.
They rely on vision and tactile senses to hunt their prey. In the wild, they mainly feed on small fish and invertebrates; however, they have been known to take vegetable matter occasionally as well.
Eastern mud turtle females release pheromones to attract males, and when paired with multiple males they mate and lay their eggs.
They can be found in a variety of habitats such as ponds, lakes, creeks, swamps, marshes and road side ditches with an organic bottom. Generally bottom feeders, they will occasionally venture up close to search for food sources.
Fish
Eastern mud turtles (Kinosternon subrubrum) are omnivorous creatures that feed on both fish and insects. They can be found in a variety of environments such as bogs, ponds and marshes.
They are particularly well adapted to brackish water, often found in slow moving ponds with soft bottoms. Furthermore, they prefer wetlands with plenty of aquatic vegetation.
In the wild, these turtles eat fish, insects, mollusks, carrion and vegetables. When kept in captivity they should be provided with a variety of protein-based foods to choose from.
Additionally, commercial turtle pellets should be added to their diet as a source of calcium. Vegetables, fruits and shell-building foods should also be included as part of this nutritional support.
Vegetables
Eastern mud turtles (Kinosternon subrubrum) inhabit both fresh and brackish water habitats such as marshes, swamps, and ponds. When in their natural environment they feed on fish, mollusks, crustaceans, and aquatic plants.
They lack teeth, but their sharp-edged beaks enable them to eat a variety of prey items. Their diet varies throughout the day; more insects, worms or algae in the morning and smaller fruits and vegetables at dusk.
This species is found throughout the southeastern United States, from Long Island to the southern Gulf Coast and eastward into central Texas. It has been designated a Least Concern species on the IUCN Red List.
Captive Eastern Mud turtles should be fed a variety of protein-based foods, with dark leafy greens serving as an ideal supplement for vegetation. Reptile and fish pellets can also be fed, but at a slower rate than what hatchlings or young juveniles would receive.
Pellets
The Eastern mud turtle (Kinosternon subrubrum) is an omnivorous carnivorous turtle that feeds on insects, fish, snails, dried krill and plants. Pellets are commonly used as dietary supplements for these turtles as they provide excellent sources of protein, minerals and vitamins.
This species is native to the eastern United States, particularly Florida and Georgia; it also occurs in parts of Mexico and Central America.
Juvenile mud turtles are fed a diet composed of pellets and vegetation to promote their development at this crucial stage, as they require the most energy during this period to grow.
Baby mud turtles typically receive more feedings than juveniles, as they grow rapidly and need to consume the food quickly.
A balanced diet should include a variety of meat, vegetables, fruits and dried insects. Feeding only pelleted food can lead to shell pyramiding – when scutes form pyramids on the turtle’s body. A diet consisting solely of pellets can cause shell damage by damaging its shell structure.
