Reproduction and Growth of the Mud Turtle, Kinosteron subrubrum (Reptilia, Testudines, Kinosternidae), in Arkansas

Female Arkansas mud turtle (Kinosteron subrubrum) mature between their sixth and eighth winters at a plastron length of 75 to 80 mm. Vitellogenesis apparently begins in early fall and continues until the following nesting season. Ovulation and oviposition occur at least from early May through June and probably from early April to Mid-July. During this period yolked follicles continue to mature, replacing those ovulated. Egg size is not correlated with female plastron length or clutch size. Incubation period averages 106 days. Clutch size ranges from one to six, the mode being three, and is positively correlated with female plastron length. At least three clutches are laid each year. * * *