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Eastern Musk Turtle vs. Blanding's Turtle

The shell pattern: Eastern Musk Turtle — plain, no pattern; Blanding's Turtle — many small yellow flecks. The head marks: Eastern Musk Turtle — two pale stripes, above and below the eye; Blanding's Turtle — a bright yellow chin and throat. The underside: Eastern Musk Turtle — small, cross-shaped, lots of skin showing; Blanding's Turtle — hinged across the middle — it can close up. The ridge on the shell: Eastern Musk Turtle — no ridge — smooth or one low, smooth ridge; Blanding's Turtle — no ridge — smooth (these overlap, so it only helps).

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Eastern Musk Turtle

Sternotherus odoratus

Blanding's Turtle

Emydoidea blandingii
Eastern Musk Turtle vs. Blanding's Turtle: comparison sheet with the differences marked

Photographs via iNaturalist under Creative Commons licences; the photographers are credited on the sheet.

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