Sternotherus intermedius (Scott, Glenn & Rissler, 2017)

Nomenclature

Sternotherus intermedius is a small turtle species native to Alabama in the United States. It is commonly called the aliflora musk turtle or the intermediate musk turtle, named for the intermediate pattern found on its shell.

Previous Taxonomic Classification

For a long period, this turtle was thought to be a hybrid between the two subspecies of the loggerhead musk turtle: the loggerhead musk turtle and the striped-neck musk turtle.

Species Recognition

In 2017, it was formally recognized as a separate new species based on DNA research.

Distribution

This species is endemic to the Choctawhatchee River and Conecuh River basins.