Myuchelys bellii (Bell's turtle). Unexpected dietary contents.

Abstract

<p>Freshwater turtles are typically omnivores and dietary generalists and fill important niches as aquatic grazers and scavengers. Some species prefer plant material over animal, or vice versa, but in general, freshwater turtle species will take advantage of all available food sources. The natural diets of a species can be dcoumented by directly observing feeding, examining feces, and by flushing the stomachs of captured individuals. Stomach flushing provides more intact samples than feces, and is logistically more feasible than observing foraging behavior, but is also more invasive than these other methods (Legler 1977. Herpetologica 33:281-284).</p>