Prevalence and Colonization of Placobdella on Two Species of Freshwater Turtles (Graptemys geographica and Sternotherus odoratus)

2005 ◽  
Vol 39 (2) ◽  
pp. 284-287 ◽  
Author(s):  
Travis J. Ryan ◽  
Anjanette Lambert
Keyword(s):  
Freshwater Turtles ◽  
Sternotherus Odoratus ◽  
Graptemys Geographica

Is righting response lateralized in two species of freshwater turtles?

Behaviour ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 154 (9-10) ◽  
pp. 1069-1079 ◽  
Author(s):  
Geoffrey R. Smith ◽  
Jessica E. Rettig ◽  
John B. Iverson
Keyword(s):  
Population Level ◽  
Chrysemys Picta ◽  
Shell Shape ◽  
Painted Turtle ◽  
Freshwater Turtles ◽  
Individual Level ◽  
Righting Response ◽  
Sternotherus Odoratus ◽  
Terrestrial Habitats

Laterality has been found in a variety of reptiles. In turtles, one important behaviour is the righting response. Here, we studied laterality of righting response of two species of freshwater turtles, the Painted Turtle (Chrysemys picta) and the Eastern Musk Turtle (Sternotherus odoratus). We found evidence of individual-level laterality in righting response inC. picta, but notS. odoratus. Neither species showed evidence of population-level laterality in righting response. Our results suggest that there is variation in the extent of laterality of righting response in turtles. Possible explanations for variation in laterality of righting response in turtles include shell shape and use of terrestrial habitats. However, more species of turtles need to be examined to demonstrate any general patterns in laterality of righting response in turtles.

scholarly journals Structure and function of the feeding apparatus in the common musk turtle Sternotherus odoratus (Chelonia, Kinosternidae)

2011 ◽  
Vol 80 (2) ◽  
pp. 143-156 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nikolay Natchev ◽  
Egon Heiss ◽  
Katharina Singer ◽  
Stefan Kummer ◽  
Dietmar Salaberger ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Prey Capture ◽  
Freshwater Turtles ◽  
Food Items ◽  
Jaw Opening ◽  
Oropharyngeal Cavity ◽  
Sternotherus Odoratus ◽  
Food Transport ◽  
The Common ◽  
And Function ◽  
Pharyngeal Packing

The present study examined the kinematic patterns of initial food uptake, food transport, pharyngeal packing and swallowing in the common musk turtle Sternotherus odoratus. These data are supplemented by morphological descriptions of the skull and the hyolingual complex. Although the hyoid is mainly cartilaginous, S. odoratus still use exclusively hydrodynamic mechanisms in prey capture and prey transport. The tongue is relatively small, with weakly developed intrinsic musculature. We propose that the elasticity of the hypoglossum and the hyoid body impacts the capability of S. odoratus to suction feed, but allows these turtles to effectively re-position the food items within the oropharyngeal cavity during transport, manipulation and pharyngeal packing. We standardised conditions in all feeding events by using food items of the same consistence and size, and by always offering the food at the same position at the bottom of the aquarium. Nonetheless, the measured kinematic values varied considerably. The duration of prey capture and prey transport cycles were relatively long in S. odoratus compared to other freshwater turtles studied so far. The initiation of hyoid retraction relative to the onset of jaw opening can be modulated not only in prey capture but also in prey transport cycles. In the common musk turtle, the jaw and hyoid movements apparently have a low level of integration.

Abnormal persistence of the chorioallantoic membrane is associated with severe developmental abnormalities in freshwater turtles

2020 ◽  
Vol 98 (3) ◽  
pp. 229-235
Author(s):  
Sarah V. Langer ◽  
Carolyn M. Kapron ◽  
Christina M. Davy
Keyword(s):  
Chorioallantoic Membrane ◽  
Freshwater Turtle ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Freshwater Turtles ◽  
Developmental Abnormalities ◽  
Map Turtles ◽  
Graptemys Geographica ◽  
Softshell Turtle ◽  
And Function

Development in oviparous reptiles requires the correct formation and function of extra-embryonic membranes in the egg. In 2017, we incubated 2583 eggs from five species of freshwater turtle during a long-term ecological study and opened eggs that failed to hatch. We described a previously unreported developmental anomaly: the retention of an extra-embryonic membrane around 7 turtles (1 Spiny Softshell Turtle (Apalone spinifera (Le Sueur, 1827)), 1 Snapping Turtle (Chelydra serpentina (Linnaeus, 1758)), and 5 Northern Map Turtles (Graptemys geographica (Le Sueur, 1817))) that were alive but unhatched >14 days after their clutch mates had emerged. We investigated the association between retention of this membrane and the exhibition of other developmental deformities of varying severity, and we tested whether this novel abnormality was associated with reduced fertility or hatching success in affected clutches. Consultation of ∼150 years of literature suggests that we observed persistence of the chorioallantoic membrane (CAM; also called the chorioallantois). Our data suggest that clutches where at least one turtle exhibits a persistent CAM may also exhibit slightly reduced fertility or hatch success in the rest of the clutch compared with conspecific clutches that do not contain this anomaly. Future research should investigate the factors predicting CAM retention and other developmental abnormalities.

scholarly journals Leech (Annelida: Hirudinea) Infestations on Canadian Turtles, Including the First Canadian Record of Helobdella modesta from Freshwater Turtles

2009 ◽  
Vol 123 (1) ◽  
pp. 44 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christina M. Davy ◽  
Kum C. Shim ◽  
Suzanne M. Coombes
Keyword(s):  
High Frequency ◽  
Chrysemys Picta ◽  
Chelydra Serpentina ◽  
Freshwater Turtles ◽  
Turtle Species ◽  
Emydoidea Blandingii ◽  
Clemmys Guttata ◽  
Sternotherus Odoratus

We collected leeches from freshwater turtles at two sites in southwestern Ontario. Five leech species (Placobdella parasitica, P. ornata, Helobdella modesta, Erpobdella punctata and Alboglossiphonia heteroclita) were collected from five turtle species (Chrysemys picta, Chelydra serpentina, Clemmys guttata, Emydoidea blandingii and Sternotherus odoratus). We report a new leech record (P. ornata) for C. guttata. The unexpectedly high frequency of H. modesta on freshwater turtles is discussed.

Seasonality and interspecific and intraspecific asynchrony in emergence from the nest by hatchling freshwater turtles

2013 ◽  
Vol 91 (7) ◽  
pp. 451-461 ◽  
Author(s):  
P.J. Baker ◽  
J.P. Costanzo ◽  
J.B. Iverson ◽  
R.E. Lee
Keyword(s):  
Late Summer ◽  
Specific Pattern ◽  
Freshwater Turtles ◽  
Natal Nest ◽  
Painted Turtles ◽  
Emergence Patterns ◽  
History Of ◽  
Map Turtles ◽  
Graptemys Geographica ◽  
Species Specific

Timing of emergence from the natal nest is a variable trait in the life history of turtles. In theory, hatchling turtles that emerge synchronously, within and among nests, should gain a survival advantage over hatchlings that emerge independently. We examined emergence patterns for seven species of freshwater turtles that use a common nesting area in northern Indiana, USA. Hatchlings of four species emerged from the nest exclusively in late summer or early fall. However, hatchlings of three species usually overwintered in the nest chamber and emerged the following spring. Interspecific and intraspecific emergence from the nest was more synchronous in fall than in spring. Mean date of fall emergence from the nest did not vary among species; however, a species-specific pattern of emergence was observed in spring. Midland Painted Turtles (Chrysemys picta marginata Agassiz, 1857) emerged in late March and early April and, on average, these hatchlings left their nests 2 weeks earlier than Northern Map Turtles (Graptemys geographica (Le Sueur, 1817)) and 4 weeks earlier than Red-eared Sliders (Trachemys scripta elegans (Wied-Neuwied, 1839)). Although hatchlings of C. p. marginata are smaller than those of G. geographica and T. s. elegans, presumably they gain a survival or growth advantage by emerging earlier.

Redescription of Capillaria serpentina Harwood, 1932, (Nematoda: Trichuroidea) from freshwater turtles in Virginia

1983 ◽  
Vol 61 (9) ◽  
pp. 2185-2189 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thomas R. Platt
Keyword(s):  
New Taxa ◽  
Large Intestine ◽  
Freshwater Turtles ◽  
Locality Record ◽  
New Host ◽  
Sternotherus Odoratus ◽  
New Host Records ◽  
Small And Large Intestine

Capillaria serpentina Harwood, 1932, is redescribed from specimens collected from Chelydra s. serpentina, Chrysemys p. picta, and Sternotherus odoratus from Westhampton Lake, Richmond, Virginia. Worms were found in the mucosa and submucosa of the small and large intestine. Comparisons of worms from different hosts and locations within hosts revealed no differences that would warrant establishment of new taxa. Chrysemys p. picta and S. odoratus are new host records and Virginia is a new locality record for this nematode.

scholarly journals Road Mortality of Reptiles and Other Wildlife at the Ojibway Prairie Complex and Greater Park Ecosystem in Southern Ontario

2016 ◽  
Vol 130 (1) ◽  
pp. 64 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jonathan D. Choquette ◽  
Lindsey Valliant
Keyword(s):  
At Risk ◽  
Tallgrass Prairie ◽  
Species At Risk ◽  
Road Mortality ◽  
Emydoidea Blandingii ◽  
Reptile Species ◽  
Sternotherus Odoratus ◽  
Sistrurus Catenatus Catenatus ◽  
Graptemys Geographica ◽  
Mortality Survey

The Ojibway Prairie Complex in Windsor contains the largest protected tallgrass prairie ecosystem in Ontario and supports numerous species at risk. Despite its ecological significance, it is crossed by multiple high-traffic roads. Road mortality is a major threat to endangered species in Canada, particularly reptiles. The main goal of this study was to describe the nature and extent of vertebrate road mortality, with a focus on reptiles, on roads bisecting the Ojibway Prairie Complex, and the Greater Park Ecosystem, in Windsor and Lasalle, Ontario. A systematic road mortality survey was conducted by bicycle along seven roads (12.5 km) in 2010, 2012, and 2013. Also, opportunistic observations (n = 103) spanning over 30 years were assembled from a variety of sources. In total, 2083 vertebrates (49 species), including 446 reptiles (11 species), were recorded “dead onroad” during systematic surveys. The highest diversity of reptiles was recorded on Matchette Road, whereas the highest rate of reptile mortality was recorded on Malden Road. Reptile species at risk were killed on all roads surveyed. Combining systematic and opportunistic data, we found seven reptile species at risk: Butler’s Gartersnake (Thamnophis butleri), Eastern Foxsnake (Pantherophis vulpinus), Eastern Massasauga (Sistrurus catenatus catenatus), Blanding’s Turtle (Emydoidea blandingii),Eastern Musk Turtle (Sternotherus odoratus), Northern Map Turtle (Graptemys geographica), and Snapping Turtle (Chelydra serpentina). Reptile road mortality “hotspots” occurred where each road is intersected by a naturalized utility right-of-way. Our results can be used to focus mitigation efforts in space and time to reduce mortality rates and enhance connectivity in the Ojibway Prairie Complex and Greater Park Ecosystem.

The Aquatic Turtle Assemblage Inhabiting a Highly Altered Landscape in Southeast Missouri

2010 ◽  
Vol 1 (2) ◽  
pp. 161-168 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brad M. Glorioso ◽  
Allison J. Vaughn ◽  
J. Hardin Waddle
Keyword(s):  
Sex Ratio ◽  
Mississippi River ◽  
Size Structure ◽  
Freshwater Turtle ◽  
Freshwater Turtles ◽  
Freshwater Systems ◽  
Southeast Missouri ◽  
Sternotherus Odoratus ◽  
Order Of Magnitude ◽  
Density And Biomass

Abstract Turtles are linked to energetic food webs as both consumers of plants and animals and prey for many species. Turtle biomass in freshwater systems can be an order of magnitude greater than that of endotherms. Therefore, declines in freshwater turtle populations can change energy transfer in freshwater systems. Here we report on a mark–recapture study at a lake and adjacent borrow pit in a relict tract of bottomland hardwood forest in the Mississippi River floodplain in southeast Missouri, which was designed to gather baseline data, including sex ratio, size structure, and population size, density, and biomass, for the freshwater turtle population. Using a variety of capture methods, we captured seven species of freshwater turtles (snapping turtle Chelydra serpentina; red-eared slider Trachemys scripta; southern painted turtle Chrysemys dorsalis; river cooter Pseudemys concinna; false map turtle Graptemys pseudogeographica; eastern musk turtle Sternotherus odoratus; spiny softshell Apalone spinifera) comprising four families (Chelydridae, Emydidae, Kinosternidae, Trinoychidae). With the exception of red-eared sliders, nearly all individuals captured were adults. Most turtles were captured by baited hoop-nets, and this was the only capture method that caught all seven species. The unbaited fyke net was very successful in the borrow pit, but only captured four of the seven species. Basking traps and deep-water crawfish nets had minimal success. Red-eared sliders had the greatest population estimate (2,675), density (205/ha), and biomass (178 kg/ha). Two species exhibited a sex-ratio bias: snapping turtles C. serpentina in favor of males, and spiny softshells A. spinifera in favor of females.

Comparative shell buffering properties correlate with anoxia tolerance in freshwater turtles

2007 ◽  
Vol 292 (2) ◽  
pp. R1008-R1015 ◽  
Author(s):  
Donald C. Jackson ◽  
Sarah E. Taylor ◽  
Vivian S. Asare ◽  
Dania Villarnovo ◽  
Jonathan M. Gall ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Lactic Acid ◽  
Lactate Concentration ◽  
Extracellular Fluid ◽  
Painted Turtle ◽  
Anoxia Tolerance ◽  
Freshwater Turtles ◽  
Interspecific Differences ◽  
Tolerant Species ◽  
Shell Composition ◽  
Graptemys Geographica

Freshwater turtles as a group are more resistant to anoxia than other vertebrates, but some species, such as painted turtles, for reasons not fully understood, can remain anoxic at winter temperatures far longer than others. Because buffering of lactic acid by the shell of the painted turtle is crucial to its long-term anoxic survival, we have tested the hypothesis that previously described differences in anoxia tolerance of five species of North American freshwater turtles may be explained at least in part by differences in their shell composition and buffering capacity. All species tested have large mineralized shells. Shell comparisons included 1) total shell CO2 concentration, 2) volume of titrated acid required to hold incubating shell powder at pH 7.0 for 3 h (an indication of buffer release from shell), and 3) lactate concentration of shell samples incubated to equilibrium in a standard lactate solution. For each measurement, the more anoxia-tolerant species (painted turtle, Chrysemys picta; snapping turtle, Chelydra serpentina) had higher values than the less anoxia-tolerant species (musk turtle, Sternotherus odoratus; map turtle, Graptemys geographica; red-eared slider, Trachemys scripta). We suggest that greater concentrations of accessible CO2 (as carbonate or bicarbonate) in the more tolerant species enable these species, when acidotic, to release more buffer into the extracellular fluid and to take up more lactic acid into their shells. We conclude that the interspecific differences in shell composition and buffering can contribute to, but cannot explain fully, the variations observed in anoxia tolerance among freshwater turtles.

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