A loggerhead musk turtle (Sternotherus minor minor) observed in Florida. These turtles exhibit an ontogenetic diet shift, in which they eat primarily insects as juveniles, but as adults shift to eating molluscs. The large head and powerful jaw muscles help them crush the shells of their prey.

Turtle Photography

Encyclopedia of Life: Loggerhead Musk Turtle

All text and photographs © Michael F. Benard
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