Zoology of the ZooPl. CLXXV
Common snapping turtle
Chelydra serpentina
Reptilia · Testudines · Chelydridae
Fig. 1. Common snapping turtle
Fig. 2. Range
| Length or height | Shell about 20-36 cm |
|---|---|
| Weight | About 4.5-16 kg |
| Food | Fish, frogs, plants, carrion |
| Lifespan | About 30-40 years or more (est.) |
| Society | Solitary |
| Habitat | wetland, freshwater |
| Range | North America |
| Wild or tame | Wild |
A small cross-shaped plastron leaves it unable to hide in its shell, so it bites in defence on land; in water it usually swims away. Florida's turtles are protected by a 2009 rule limiting take (verify details with FWC).
Observe: Watch the long tail with saw-tooth ridges.