Snapping turtle
Snapping turtles (or snappers) are large, New World freshwater turtles of the family Chelydridae. The species range from southeastern Canada, west to the Rocky Mountains and south through Mexico to Ecuador. In the southern United States, they are referred to as cooters.
Snapping turtles are noted for their powerful beak-like jaws and pugnacious disposition. They have a muscular build with ridged shells that may measure from 35 cm long in Chelydra species to some 66 cm long in the alligator snapping turtle (Macroclemys temmincki). The latter species is the largest freshwater turtle in the world, weighing up to 100 kg. The brackish environments, such as estuaries. All snapping turtles are important scavengers, but will also actively hunt fish, frogs and small mammals. The alligator snapper has a flesh-red, worm-like tongue which it uses to lure fish into its mouth.
Family Chelydridae
- Subfamily Chelydrinae
- Genus Chelydra
- Genus Macrochelys
- Subfamily Platysterninae
