Details
Macrochelys temminckii
The alligator snapping turtle is a huge freshwater turtle with a massive head and rugged shell. A wormlike lure in its mouth attracts fish.
Map: Ecoregions 2017 © RESOLVE (CC BY 4.0) · Natural Earth (PD)
It inhabits Nearctic freshwater in the southeastern United States. Large rivers, swamps, lakes, and deep channels are typical, and adults rarely leave water.
Shell length 35-80 cm; weight 70-100 kg. The heavy shell has three raised ridges, the head is very large, and the jaws are powerful. The tail is long and thick.
Nocturnal and solitary, it rests on the bottom with the mouth open. A movable tongue lure draws prey within reach.
A carnivore, it eats fish, frogs, crustaceans, other aquatic animals, and carrion. Ambush and a crushing bite are central to feeding.
Females come ashore to dig nests and lay eggs. Hatchlings move to water and grow in shallow habitats.
It is listed as Vulnerable. Past harvest, water pollution, and river alteration have reduced populations, and slow growth makes recovery gradual.
