sippyjug104 Loc: Missouri

This is the tiny turtle that was sent to my by Bill (newtoyou) for focus stacking sessions. I keep it preserved and bring it out from time to time to stage various views and magnification. I don't know what species it is nor how Bill came by it so perhaps he will fill us in.

As always, thanks in advance to all who view and for your comments, suggestions, questions and critique.

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newtoyou Loc: Eastport

Gary, you do it justice.
If I had thought I could have used tiny black beads as eyes. Then arranged and dried it after a long alcohol soak.
This is one of the smallest US turtles. Hatching at about 9/16ths, they grow slowly. this is one of four in same area in April, 2019.
It was one year old then at about 5/8ths inch.
Active in low temperature water.
Not a basker, but a bottom crawler. A pest if bait fishing.
Latin name, Stenotherus odoratus. It lives up to it's last name when handled, it is a Stinkpot.
How long and wide is this one?
I will post size of it's twin.
Goodnight, Gary, all.
Bill

sippyjug104 Loc: Missouri

Wow Bill, thanks a lot for both providing this interesting specimen and for educating me on it. The one that you sent is about the size of my thumbnail so 5/8-inch is about right. I haven't come across this species here yet so if they live in this area they must stay on the bottom. I most often see the ones that bask on the rocks or logs which I believe are an invasive species here. We do have snappers also which I see at times along the river and the ponds at the nearby parks.

newtoyou Loc: Eastport

This turtle is in the bottom half of the state of MO.
To find it, and find a lot of aquatics, early in the spring, on an exposed eastern facing shore of a pond or lake, drag a minnow net.
Find areas where emergent plants have covered the bottom. Drag a netful and dump it on shore or in a large tray. Put the nettings in sunlight. Watch for movement as things warm up.
Collect with a small net. If you do not know what can and cannot bite,read. A water bug bite (puncture, with venom) is best learned second hand
I use condiment containers and zip lock bags to take home.
Watch out for sudden temperature change or fish, herps and the like will shock. Use minimum water, but use water. It helps cushion specimens.
If you want to keep any length of time, a gallon jar or an aquarium work. Use a sponge filter powered by an air pump,a stick or two sticking from the water. Keep furnishings simple for ease of cleaning.
Kick start the sponge filter with a pinch of clean, no pesticide soil. Let it get dirty, clean by squeezing under cold water. Bio action cleans the container. A pump filter would trap most, only for turtles, crayfish and larger specimens.
Mix it up. You will soon know carnivores from herbivores. Cover with screen. Most aquatic insect adults can fly.
Cheap goldfish flakes, small worms and tiny live food may be had at a pet store. Ask for daphnia or similar size food. Also, small feeder guppies may be fed to dragonfly nymphs and diving beetles.
Now, a spring project, maybe. Start the aquarium or container now. Keep simple. A few guppies and snails will get things going. Easy transition to natives.
Last thing. The invasive turtle is probably the Red Eared Slider. The enamel painted turtles from the five and dime stores in the 50's and 60's.
I have seen young with yolk sac here in Maryland. A sure sign of an established population.
And now, goodnight, Gary.
Bill

sippyjug104 Loc: Missouri

Bill, I have a "Toe Biter Water Bug" that you sent me which is quite interesting. Strong front specialized legs that can pinch and hold and a mouth beak that can puncture flesh. I've heard that their bite can be quite painful and can result in bad wound from the venom and bacteria that they can inject. What makes them worse is that they can fly also. The water bug that you sent is small compared to the giants so it may been a youngster when you collected it.

The turtles that I most often see are the Red Eared Sliders around here that you described. The fellows that fish the rivers and ponds catch them quite frequently on their bait rods.