About Staurotypus triporcatus (Wiegmann, 1828)
Staurotypus triporcatus (Wiegmann, 1828) is a member of the Kinosternidae family. It is typically much larger than other species in this family, growing to a maximum straight carapace length of 36 centimeters (14 inches). Females of this species are significantly larger than males. Its body is most often brown, black, or green, with a yellow-colored underside. Its carapace has three distinct lengthwise ridges, also called keels, that set it apart from related species. Unlike most turtle species, which use temperature-dependent sex determination, Staurotypus triporcatus uses XX/XY sex determination. This species has a geographic range that includes Belize, northeastern Guatemala, western Honduras, and Mexico. Within Mexico, it occurs in the states of Campeche, Chiapas, Oaxaca, Quintana Roo, Tabasco, Tamaulipas, and Veracruz.
