Mekong snail-eating turtle
A species of Malayan snail-eating turtles Scientific name : Malayemys subtrijuga Genus : Malayan snail-eating turtles
Mekong snail-eating turtle, A species of Malayan snail-eating turtles
Scientific name: Malayemys subtrijuga
Genus: Malayan snail-eating turtles
Content
Description General Info
Photo By Krittiya Chiangkul, Poramad Trivalairat and Watchariya Purivirojkul , used under CC BY 4.0 /Cropped and compressed from original
Description
The Mekong snail-eating turtle (Malayemys subtrijuga) is a species of turtle in the Geoemydidae family. It was monotypic within the genus Malayemys until Brophy (2004, 2005) revalidated (based on morphology) Malayemys macrocephala (Gray, 1859) long time considered to be a synonym of M. subtrijuga.
General Info
Lifespan
12-15 years
Diet
Mekong snail-eating turtle is largely omnivorous, with a diet primarily composed of aquatic vegetation. This species displays a preference for soft-bodied invertebrates and detritus, enabling nutrient recycling in their habitat.
Appearance
Mekong snail-eating turtle is a freshwater turtle with a moderately sized, widely oval carapace that's domed at the center and tapering to a flat edge. Its hard shell has a muddy-brown coloring with unique, dark, radiating streaks. The turtle's head features small dark spots on a lighter background, distinguishing it from other species. There are no notable differences in appearance due to age, gender, or subspecies.
Behavior
Mekong snail-eating turtle is an aquatic species known for its solitary and isolated behavior. Typically nocturnal, it emerges from its burrow at dusk to forage on a diverse diet that includes insects and mollusks. Its distinctive heavily-armored, retractable shell aids in defense against predators. This species lacks prominent territorial behaviors, preferring a quiet and solitary existence.
Population
Decreasing
Photo By Krittiya Chiangkul, Poramad Trivalairat and Watchariya Purivirojkul , used under CC BY 4.0 /Cropped and compressed from original
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Chordates Class
Reptiles Order
Testudines Family
Neotropical wood turtles Species
Mekong snail-eating turtle