HOODED TURTLE
Sternotherus carinatus
DESCRIPTION
Hooded Turtle (Sternotherus carinatus) is a small freshwater turtle characterized by its distinctive, high-domed shell and a prominent hood-like structure on its head. This species exhibits a dark brown to olive coloration, often with lighter mottling, which provides effective camouflage in its natural habitat. Typically found in slow-moving waters, Hooded Turtles are known for their secretive behavior, often hiding under debris or submerged vegetation.
FUN FACTS
- Hooded Turtles are known for their unique head structure, which helps them to navigate through dense aquatic vegetation
- They are also capable of holding their breath for extended periods, allowing them to remain submerged while foraging or hiding from predators
QUICK INFO
Lifespan20-30 years in the wild
Average Weight0.5-1 kg
Average Length15-25 cm
Diet TypeOmnivore
Social Structuresolitary, typically found alone except during mating season
Activity PatternDiurnal
Breeding SeasonSpring (April-June)
- Habitat
- Hooded Turtles inhabit shallow, slow-moving waters such as ponds, swamps, and marshes. They prefer areas with abundant vegetation and soft substrates for burrowing.
- Biomes
- Freshwater, Wetlands
- Native Range
- The Hooded Turtle is native to the southeastern United States, particularly in the Mississippi River basin.
- Continent
- North America
- Countries
- United States
- Diet
- Hooded Turtles primarily feed on a variety of aquatic invertebrates, plant matter, and detritus. Their diet can vary based on seasonal availability and habitat conditions.
- Diet Type
- Omnivore
- Favorite Food
- aquatic invertebrates, plant matter
- Social Structure
- solitary, typically found alone except during mating season
- Activity Pattern
- Diurnal
- Group Size
- 1-2
- Territorial
- 0
LC
VU
0.5-1 kg
Weight
15-25 cm
Length
- Coloration
- dark brown to olive with lighter mottling
- Sexual Dimorphism
- males are generally smaller with longer tails than females
- Lifespan
- 20-30 years in the wild
- Offspring per Birth
- 2-8
- Sexual Maturity
- 4-5 years
- Breeding Season
- Spring (April-June)
LC
Least Concern
IUCN Red List Status
- Population Status
- The population of Hooded Turtles is currently stable, but habitat loss poses a potential threat.
- Wild Population Estimate
- unknown
- Population Trend
- Stable
- Endangered
- 0
- Threats
- Main threats include habitat destruction due to urbanization and pollution of water bodies. Additionally, they are sometimes collected for the pet trade.
- Predators
- Raccoons, birds of prey, and larger fish are known to prey on Hooded Turtles.
- Defense Mechanisms
- Hooded Turtles can retract their heads and limbs into their shells for protection against predators.
- Found in Zoos
- Uncommon