South american snapping turtle
A species of Typical snapping turtles Scientific name : Chelydra acutirostris Genus : Typical snapping turtles
South american snapping turtle, A species of Typical snapping turtles
Scientific name: Chelydra acutirostris
Genus: Typical snapping turtles
Content
Description General Info
Photo By cabanillapaul99 , used under CC-BY-NC-4.0 /Cropped and compressed from original
Description
The South American snapping turtle (Chelydra acutirostris) is a species of turtle in the family Chelydridae. This species, which is endemic to Central and South America, was previously considered a subspecies of Chelydra serpentina.
General Info
Lifespan
20-30 years
Diet
South american snapping turtle mainly feeds on aquatic organisms, with preference for small fish, amphibians, and invertebrates. Its diet may also include carrion, complementing its roles as both predator and scavenger.
Appearance
South american snapping turtle is a large freshwater turtle with a robust, muscular build, distinctly distinguished by its long, pointed snout and strong, sharp beak. It possesses a rough, scaly skin with a domed, serrated carapace mostly seen in dark brown to black hues. Females are generally larger than males. Juveniles are more vibrant in color, becoming darker as they mature.
Behavior
South american snapping turtle shows significant nocturnal activity, often spending daytime hours buried in sediment. Solitary by nature, it exhibits aggressive defense mechanisms when disturbed, including a characteristic snapping bite. It utilizes olfaction to locate prey and employs an ambush hunting strategy. Males, during the breeding season, may show occasional territorial aggression.
Photo By cabanillapaul99 , used under CC-BY-NC-4.0 /Cropped and compressed from original
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Chordates Class
Reptiles Order
Testudines Family
Snapping turtles Genus
Typical snapping turtles Species
South american snapping turtle