Chelydra serpentina

(Linnaeus, 1758)

Vernacular names
English : Common snapping turtle
French : Tortue serpentine

Classification
Class : Reptilia
Order : Testudines
Family : Chelydridae
Notes : No subspecies known.

Identification
Large and heavy-bodied species reaching a length of 49 cm for a weight of 34 kg. Carapace is brownish-green with three rows of ridges. Elongated neck with round tubercles, large head with powerful jaws.

Range and habitat
From southern Canada to USA, occurring on the eastern two-thirds of the country, from Florida to New Mexico. Lives in slow-moving rivers with sandy or muddy bottom, swamps, marshes.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : LEAST CONCERN
CITES : Appendix II
Status : The species is globally common around its wide range. Local declines have been recorded because of hunting and habitat degradation.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation

 

Back to “Freshwater Turtles” page