AnimaliaHighest rank in taxonomy. Groups all life into domains: Animalia, Plantae, Fungi, etc.IUCN LCInternational Union for Conservation of Nature — the world authority on species extinction risk, using standardized criteria. — Least Concern — widespread and abundant; not at immediate risk of extinction.In ProgressCurrent stage of this record in the editorial review workflow. Recent Sighting
Kinosternon leucostomum
White-lipped Mud Turtle
Duméril, Bibron & Duméril, 1851
Detailed Texts Multi-lang
A small to medium-sized turtle with an oval-shaped carapace, usually dark brown or black. Its name derives from the light lines, often whitish or yellowish, that adorn its lips and part of its head. Its most distinctive feature is the hinged plastron, which allows it to partially or totally close its body within the carapace when threatened.
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Last modified by
Julia Trouin
TaxonomyBiological classification ranks placing this species within the tree of life, from Kingdom down to Genus.
PhylumRank below Kingdom. Groups organisms sharing a fundamental body plan (e.g., Chordata = vertebrates and some invertebrates).Chordata
ClassRank below Phylum. Subdivides by structural traits (e.g., Mammalia, Aves, Reptilia, Insecta).Reptilia
OrderRank below Class. Groups related families sharing common ancestry (e.g., Carnivora, Primates).Testudines
FamilyRank below Order. Groups closely related genera (e.g., Felidae = cats, Canidae = dogs).Kinosternidae
GenusRank just above Species. The first word in the two-part binomial scientific name.Kinosternon
Taxonomic AuthorityThe scientist who first formally described and published this species, followed by the year of publication.Duméril, Bibron & Duméril, 1851
Record Completeness
96%Coming soon
Ecology & StatusHow this species lives: habitat preferences, diet, behavior, population status, and role in its ecosystem.
OriginWhether the species is native (evolved here), endemic (found only here), or introduced by human activity.
Native
Population TrendDirection of change in population size over time: increasing, stable, decreasing, or unknown.
Stable
Breeding SeasonTime of year when this species typically reproduces or flowers.
Year Round
Trophic RolePosition in the food chain: producer, herbivore, carnivore, omnivore, decomposer, or parasite.
Omnivore
Recent SightingsWhether this species has been observed in the wild in Costa Rica within recent years.
Yes
Habitat SummaryOverview of the specific ecosystems and environments where this species is found in Costa Rica. Multi-lang
Inhabits slow-flowing or stagnant water bodies, including swamps, ponds, lagoons, and shaded streams in tropical rainforests. Prefers areas with soft bottoms and abundant aquatic vegetation.BehaviourDaily activity patterns, movement, territory use, foraging style, and seasonal behavioral changes. Multi-lang
Predominantly aquatic and crepuscular species. It is an active food seeker at the bottom of water bodies, showing remarkable resistance to hypoxia, which allows it to explore muddy bottoms without problems.Social ActivitySocial structure: whether the species is solitary, paired, or colonial; hierarchy and communication. Multi-lang
Solitary. Social interactions are minimal and are mainly limited to aggressive encounters between males for territory or during the mating season.Feeding GuildWhat the species eats, how it forages or hunts, and its role as a consumer in the food web. Multi-lang
Benthic forager. It moves slowly over the muddy bed, using its developed sense of smell to detect prey buried or hidden in the vegetation.Trophic Chain DetailsSpecific interactions in local food webs: prey species, predators, competitors, and scavengers. Multi-lang
Generalist omnivore. It consumes a wide variety of invertebrates, aquatic plants, fallen fruits, and occasionally small vertebrates or carrion, acting as an efficient ecosystem cleaner.Reproductive BehaviourMating strategies, courtship displays, nesting or spawning behavior, and parental care. Multi-lang
Oviparous species. The female lays its eggs in nests excavated in protected places, such as under leaf litter or logs. There is no parental care after laying.Physical Measures
Length (cm)
10.0 - 18.0 cm
Weight (Grams)
200 g - 600 g
Offspring per cycleTypical number of young (live births, eggs, or seeds) produced by one adult in a single reproductive event or breeding season.2 - 6
Sexual DimorphismObservable physical differences between males and females of the same species (e.g., size, coloration, features).Yes
Lifespan
Sexual MaturityAge at which the individual becomes capable of reproducing for the first time.
3 - 5 Years
Gestation / IncubationDuration from fertilization to birth (mammals) or to hatching (egg-laying species).
2 - 3
Lifespan EstimatedExpected duration of life from birth to natural death under wild conditions.
Males15 - 25 Years
Females15 - 25 Years
Sexual DimorphismPhysical differences in size, coloration, or morphology between males and females of this species.
Males Multi-lang
The male has a considerably longer and more robust tail that contains the reproductive organs, as well as a slightly more concave plastron that facilitates mounting the female.
Females Multi-lang
The female is slightly larger in total length and possesses a proportionally shorter and thinner tail. Its plastron is flat, which provides greater stability when walking on uneven terrain.
Evolutionary AdaptationsInherited traits and behaviors that improve the species' survival and reproduction in its specific environment. Multi-lang
Hinged Plastron (Lock): It possesses a hinge on the anterior part of its plastron that allows it to seal its body like a padlock, protecting its soft parts from predators and reducing moisture loss.
Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang
Water Pollution: Agricultural and wastewater runoff affects its habitat quality, harming prey availability and its reproductive health.
Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang
Estivation Capacity: During prolonged droughts, this turtle can bury itself in damp mud to enter a state of lethargy, keeping its metabolism low until the rains return.