Added 5 August 2009. Last updated 2 June 2024: updated characteristics of genus and species, and Bibliography.

Claudius

Narrow-Bridged Musk Turtle

Introduction

This is the sister genus of Staurotypus, which together form the subfamily Staurotypinae or family Staurotypidae, depending on which system of classification is followed. Claudius comprises just one species, C. angustatus.

Boulenger noted that Claudius differs from Staurotypus by the very slender bridge, which does not expand towards the marginals, to which it is joined by ligament, the latter indicating a shape of both the hyo- and hypoplastral bones similar to that of the hyoplastral in Chelydra serpentina; anterior lobe of plastron not movable. He also cited Cope as follows: "Vertebral neural segments eight, the last pair of costals meeting on the median line, but separated from the small posterior marginal by a large penultimate shield".

The common name of the Narrow-Bridged Musk Turtle arises from its much reduced plastron, which may aid mobility. It also has a long neck which allow it to bite on either side of the carapace - something handlers should be aware of. Like the Staurotypus species it can also be quite belligerent. Its defensive behaviour also includes upward lunges. During the dry season it is liable to predation by local Indians who hunt it during its aestivation period by prodding into mud with sticks.

There seems to have been little interest in this turtle in hobbyist literature, at least in English-language publications. Müller, the only source I have so far found for husbandry indicators, considers them antisocial and hence to be kept alone, with even mating being monitored.

Species Name

Common Name

Location

Size

Notes

Claudius

C. angustatus

Narrow-Bridged Musk Turtle [D: ]

Mexico, Belize, Guatemala

5½-6¾"/14-17cm [Lee], max 18cm [Müller]

A mainly nocturnal species found in slow-moving bodies of water such as swamps, marshes, ponds and small streams, especially favouring muddy bottoms. The waters tend to be relatively shallow, thus providing some protection against crocodiles. Travels considerable distances in rainy season but aestivates deep in the mud in the dry season. Diet includes invertebrates and vertebrates typical of its environment, eg earthworms, aquatic insects, snails, frogs and fish; offal is also taken. Carapace: low, usually tricarinate, keels becoming obscure with age. Plastron: reduced, cruciform, lacks movable hinge and covers about one third of the underside; bridge extremely narrow, connected to carapace by ligaments; anterior and posterior lobes angular; a very small gular may be present; abdominals twice as broad as long; anals distinct or united. Other: head relatively very large; jaws strongly hooked, upper jaws with pair of cusps; pair of barbels on chin; no warts on the neck; limbs short, robust, digits extensively webbed.. Coloration: carapace brown, yellowish brown or almost black, with darker seams; in juveniles, scutes may bear dark streaks and radiations; plastron and bridge yellow; head yellowish brown to nearly black, jaws lighter with dark streaks. Reproduction: males are larger than females, and male has long thick tail ending in a keratinised spine. The female nests in November, producing a clutch of 2-8 eggs; incubation lasts 4-5 months [SOURCE: see Bibliography]

Biography

Turtles and Tortoises of the World, David Alderton, Blandford, London 1999.

Schildkröten, Gerhard Müller, Eugen Ullmer, Stuttgart 1995.

Field Guide to Amphibians and Reptiles of the Maya World, Julian C Lee, Cornell University Press, 2000.

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