Burmese big-headed turtle
A species of Big-headed turtle, Also known as Big-headed turtle Scientific name : Platysternon megacephalum Genus : Big-headed turtle
Burmese big-headed turtle, A species of Big-headed turtle
Also known as:
Big-headed turtle
Scientific name: Platysternon megacephalum
Genus: Big-headed turtle
Content
Description General Info
Photo By Waterhouse , used under CC-BY-SA-3.0 /Cropped and compressed from original
Description
The big-headed turtle (Platysternon megacephalum) is a species of turtle in the family Platysternidae from Southeast Asia and southern China. For Madagascar see Madagascan big-headed turtle.
General Info
Lifespan
15-30 years
Diet
Burmese big-headed turtle predominantly consumes small invertebrates such as earthworms, snails, and insects. However, it is also known to eat fish and amphibians, displaying an opportunistic and varied feeding behavior.
Appearance
Burmese big-headed turtle is a small, freshwater turtle with a strikingly large head, which cannot be retracted into its shell. It has a flattened body, long tail, and sturdy, paddle-like legs. The turtle's skin and shell are predominantly black-brown or greenish, with yellowish-orange on the throat, belly, and the undersides of limbs. Males have a longer, thicker tail and a distinct notch in the plastron, unlike females.
Behavior
Burmese big-headed turtle leads a predominantly solitary life, mainly active at night. It has a carnivorous diet that includes crustaceans, insects, and mollusks. This species is known for its robust defensive tactics, such as biting and emitting a foul smell. In survival situations, it exhibits the ability to remain underwater for extended periods.
Population
Decreasing
Photo By Waterhouse , used under CC-BY-SA-3.0 /Cropped and compressed from original
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Chordates Class
Reptiles Order
Testudines Family
Big-headed turtles Genus
Big-headed turtle Species
Burmese big-headed turtle