Kinosternon is a genus of small aquatic turtles from the Americas known commonly as mud turtles.

The greatest species richness is in Mexico, and only three species (K. dunni, K. leucostomum, and K. scorpioides) are found in South America.

They are very similar to the musk turtles, but generally smaller in size, and their carapaces are not as highly domed.

All mud turtles are carnivorous, consuming various aquatic invertebrates (especially molluscs and worms[2]) , fish, and even carrion.

Mud turtles live in the ground layer on the bed of bodies of slowly-flowing or still water.