Chelydra serpentina

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

Scientific name. Chelydra serpentina

Common Name. Common Snapping Turtle

General information. Frequently found in water as deep as the length of its neck, the snapping turtle often hides in brush or under submerged logs and roots in the water. Common snapping turtles are thought to be most active at night, but individuals can often be seen floating just under the surface of the water. Infrequently they are found out of the water, perhaps moving between bodies of water. An omnivorous species, the common snapper will eat just about anything it can get a hold of and swallow. Fish, birds, snakes, turtles, amphibians, various invertebrates and some plant material. Carrion is not refused.

Protected status. The Common Snapping Turtle is not a protected species in Texas and can be legally collected with a hunting license.

Diagnostic features. Carapace with three low keels, more prominent in juvenile turtles becoming smooth as adults. Carapace very serrated posteriorly Bridge is small and unhinged plastron is extremely reduced. Large head with hooked beak, with eyes placed dorsolaterally on head. Long neck with tubercles. Tail equivalent length of carapace or longer; tail with three rows of prominent tubercles. Strong, heavy claws on large legs with webbed feet.

Coloration. Carapace dark (black to brown); plastron yellowish to tan Skin tan, gray, yellow or black.

General distribution. In North America, Chelydra serpentina is found east of the Rocky Mountains throughout all of the eastern United States as well as adjacent populations in southern Canada.

Texas distribution. The single subspecies of Chelydra serpentina found in Texas, C. s. serpentina, is distributed across much of the state, save the southern and western tips of the state.

Habitat. A habitat generalist, the Common Snapping Turtle can be found in almost any body of fresh water with a muddy bottom, whether the body of water is natural or man-made. Some populations inhabit brackish water.

Reproduction. Nesting period occupies month-long period between mid-May and mid-June. Average clutch sizes are 20-40. Incubation is 75-95 days.

Size. Chelydra serpentina grow to adult lengths of 49 cm (19.5 in).

Map. Colored counties reflect known distribution for species and/or subspecies; map is based on museum voucher specimens.

Macrochelys temminckii

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

Scientific name. Macrochelys temminckii

Common Name. Alligator Snapping Turtle

General information. This turtle species spends much of its underwater; it has only been observed basking above water once. The Alligator Snapping Turtle can not stay underwater as long as other aquatic turtle species, needing to surface at least once an hour during periods of activity. This is an omnivorous species, feeding on many live or dead vertebrate or invertebrate animals. Additionally, roots and fruit are found to be important components of many alligator snapping turtles living in smaller streams and rivers. Other turtles species are included on their menu.

Protected status. The Alligator Snapping Turtle is listed as threatened by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and is protected in the state of Texas.

Diagnostic features. Carapace with three prominent keels and additional row of scutes (supramarginal) along each side Carapace serrated posteriorly Bridge is small and unhinged plastron is extremely reduced. Tail roughly equivalent length of carapace. Huge head with hooked beak, with eyes placed laterally on head (not visible from dorsal view). Worm-like pink process on tongue used for luring.

Coloration. Carapace dark (black to brown); plastron grayish brown Skin brown to gray.

General distribution. In North America, the distribution of Macrochelys temminckii includes much of the Mississippi River Valley (known historically as far north as Iowa and Illinois) and adjacent drainages of the southeastern United States.

Texas distribution. In Texas, Macrochelys temminckii is restricted to wetter locations of east Texas.

Habitat. The Alligator Snapping Turtle frequents the bottom of rivers, lakes, sloughs, swamps and bayous.

Reproduction. Nesting season is May to July. Clutch sizes are 9-44 eggs. Nests are laid during the day with incubation lasting 70-105 days.

Size. Macrochelys temminckii is the largest freshwater turtle in North America, reaching carapace lengths of 80 cm (32 cm).

Map. Orange counties indicate new county records since previous Herps of Texas update in 1998; all other colored counties reflect known distribution prior to 1998 for species and/or subspecies. Map is based on museum voucher specimens.

Snapping and Alligator Snapping Turtles | Herps of Texas

Chelydra serpentina

Macrochelys temminckii