Although the turtles in this genus must be considered semi-aquatic to predominantly aquatic, individuals may trek long distances from a water source, then burrow and await rain to continue their journey. In most cases subadults and adults are more colorful than the hatchlings, and of all mud turtle species the red-cheeked mud, Kinosternon scorpioides cruentatum, can be the most strikingly colored.

“Can be” simply means that some red-cheeks are very blandly colored while others may be spectacular. I have shown the variability of the adults of this 5 to 6 inch long mud turtle in the accompanying pix.

Once wild collected examples were rather regularly imported from Central America and were very readily available in the pet trade. This is no longer the case. In fact, they have gone from being easily procurable to being one of the more difficult turtles to acquire and it is often only hatchlings that are available.

But they are hardy little turtles that are, if provided with ample space and hiding areas in a semiaquatic terrarium, often compatible with other turtles having like captive needs. But as with all turtles, they may nip at the feet or tail of terrarium mates. Use discretion and watch your captives carefully.

It is only the face that is colorful and sometimes even that lacks color..


This is a rather typically colored male red-cheeked mud turtle.