Sexual Dimorphism, Movement Patterns, and Diets of Sternotherus carinatus (Razorback Musk Turtle)

Abstract

Abstract Sternotherus carinatus (Razorback Musk Turtle) is an aquatic species for which natural history information is lacking. We explored natural history differences between males and females using analyses of sexual dimorphism, movement patterns, and diets in 2 East Texas populations. We found male-biased sexual dimorphism in both head and body size, a pattern partially consistent with analyses of preserved museum specimens. Using radiotelemetry, we found no differences between males and females in home ranges, maximum distance moved, and total distance moved. However, females exhibited significantly higher mean daily speeds. Analysis of the proportional use of food resources indicated a high degree of overlap between males and females and a low degree of overlap between populations. The selective forces influencing the observed patterns of sexual dimorphism in this species remain unclear but our data seem to rule out partitioning of food resources.