Sexual and Seasonal Variation in Foraging Patterns in the Stinkpot, Sternotherus odoratus, in Southwestern Missouri

Sternotherus odoratus is an omnivorous turtle inhabiting shallow littoral zones of lakes and swamps in the eastern United States. Previous studies have quantified the diet of this turtle, but few have addressed seasonal and sexual differences. Stomach and fecal samples were collected from June through October 1998. Although males and females consumed similar taxa, there were monthly dietary differences likely, in part, because of sexual differences in peak activity and reproductive conditions. Patterns of consumption suggest that Stinkpots are omnivorous but show some dietary preferences.