Pelusios castaneus (West African Mud Turtle) Reptiles-Turtles Exotic
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Common name: West African Mud Turtle
Taxonomy: available through
www.itis.gov
Identification: Carapace is chestnut brown, round, and fairly steep, seldom with any median keel. Large plastron is typically dark yellow but is often outlined in black. The head is brown or reddish, with a light reticulated pattern, with two barbels on the chin (Bonin et al., 2006).
Size: 285 mm maximum carapace length
Native Range: Coastal West Africa from Senegal tp the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
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Puerto Rico & Virgin Islands |
Guam Saipan |
Hydrologic Unit Codes (HUCs) Explained
Interactive maps: Point Distribution Maps
Nonindigenous Occurrences:
Introduced to Guadeloupe Island in the Caribbean (Bonin et al., 2006)
Table 1. States with nonindigenous occurrences, the earliest and latest observations in each state, and the tally and names of HUCs with observations†. Names and dates are hyperlinked to their relevant specimen records. The list of references for all nonindigenous occurrences of Pelusios castaneus are found here.
Table last updated 11/4/2024
† Populations may not be currently present.
Ecology: Found in wet and shallow water, often associated with vegetation. Active both day and nightsearching for food including fish, amphibians, snails, insects, seeds, fruits, algae, and aquatic plants (Bonin et al. 2006). May aestivate in the mud during the dry season (Bonin et al. 2006).
Means of Introduction: Probably released intentionally, likely a former pet.
Impact of Introduction: The impacts of this species are currently unknown, as no studies have been done to determine how it has affected ecosystems in the invaded range. The absence of data does not equate to lack of effects. Research is required to evaluate effects before conclusions can be made.
References: (click for full references)
Bartlett, R. D., and P. P. Bartlett. 1999. A Field Guide to Florida Reptiles and Amphibians. Gulf Publishing Company, Houston. 280 pp.
Bonin, F., B. Devaux, and A. Dupre. 2006. Turtles of the World. The John Hopkins University Press, Baltimore, MD.
Krysko, K.L., K.M. Enge, and P.E. Moler. 2019. Amphibians and reptiles of Florida. University Press of Florida, Gainesville, FL.
Stemle, L.R. 2022. First georeferenced report of a non-native West African Mud Turtle, Pelusios castaneus (Schweigger 1812), in Florida. Reptiles and Amphibians 29(1):150-151.
Author:
Freedman, J.A.
Revision Date: 8/26/2022
Citation Information:
Freedman, J.A., 2024, Pelusios castaneus (Schweigger, 1812): U.S. Geological Survey, Nonindigenous Aquatic Species Database, Gainesville, FL, https://nas.er.usgs.gov/queries/FactSheet.aspx?speciesID=3819, Revision Date: 8/26/2022, Access Date: 11/4/2024
This information is preliminary or provisional and is subject to revision. It is being provided to meet the need for timely best science. The information has not received final approval by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and is provided on the condition that neither the USGS nor the U.S. Government shall be held liable for any damages resulting from the authorized or unauthorized use of the information.