Designed by Paul Smith 2006. This website is copyrighted by law.
Material contained herewith may not be used without the prior written permission of FAUNA Paraguay.
Material on this page was provided by Paul Smith and Alberto Esquivel and is used with their permission.
SCORPION MUD TURTLE Kinosternon scorpioides
The Scorpion Mud Turtle can be immediately identified by its unusual shell, furrowed along the centre. They are aquatic, but during the dry season when ponds dry up they undertake migrations and may be found in dry areas. When threatened they withdraw into the shell, the uniquely-hinged plastron closing behind them like a trapdoor.
Click on the images to enlarge them.
FIGURE 1 - (FPREP29PH) Lateral view of adult, Plot 21, Rio Pilcomayo area, note puncture marks in the shell probably from the teeth of a big cat (Paul Smith March 2005).
FIGURE 2 - (FPREP30PH) Defensive posture of same specimen (Paul Smith March 2005).
FIGURE 3 - (FPREP31PH) Adult submerging, location unknown (Alberto Esquivel undated).
FIGURE 4 - (FPREP32PH) Adult head detail, Ruta Trans-Chaco km500, Departamento Boquerón (Paul Smith October 2008).
FIGURE 5 - (FPREP33PH) Same individual shell dorsal (Paul Smith October 2008).
FIGURE 6 - (FPREP34PH) Same individual shell ventral, showing hinge (Paul Smith October 2008).
FIGURE 7 - (FPREP35PH) Same individual posterior shell view showing keel (Paul Smith October 2008).
FIGURE 8 - (FPREP36PH) Same individual hind foot (Paul Smith October 2008).
VIDEO A - (FPREP657VI) Adult, Laguna Capitán, Deparamento Boquerón (Paul Smith February 2012).
VIDEO B - (FPREP475VI) Submerged adult, Fortín Boquerón, Deparamento Boquerón (Paul Smith November 2010).
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