#Macrochelys temminckii

[bonesandpoemsandflowers]

I always forget that alligator snapping turtles look like fuckin bullshit. fake ass animal. that's a pokémon at BEST.

[heilloohaii]

Aligator Snapping Turtle

scientific name: Macrochelys temminckii

• length: 35 to 80.8 cm (13.8 to 31.8 in)

• height: 26-33 cm (10.2 in to 13 in)

• weight : 112.9 kg (249 lbs)

• diet : fish, aquatic vegetation, small mammals and other aquatic life

my personal rating : 6.5/10

[chaobunnyarts]

All of my Tiny Reptile designs from 2023! Identifiers for each reptile under the cut.

Jackson's Chameleon (Trioceros jacksonii)

Eyelash Viper (Bothriechis schlegelii)

Alligator Snapping Turtle (Macrochelys temminckii)

Central Bearded Dragon (Pogona vitticeps)

Eastern Snake-Necked Turtle (Chelodina longicollis)

Scarlet Kingsnake (Lampropeltis elapsoides)

Western Box Turtle (Terrapene ornata)

Yellow-Headed Day Gecko (Phelsuma klemmeri)

Costal Rosy Boa (Lichanura orcutti)

Green Sea Turtle (Chelonia mydas)

Blue Coral Snake (Calliophis bivirgatus)

Komodo Dragon (Varanus komodoensis)

[herpsandbirds]

I see more turtles than usual, is it turtles day??

Every day is turtle day when you love turtles!!!

Here this is for you...

Suwannee Snapping Turtle (Macrochelys suwanniensis), family Chelydridae, endemic to the Suwanee River Basin in the SE United States

This species was once considered to be a population of the Alligator Snapping Turtle, M. temminckii, but was separated into a separate species in 2014.

photograph by Chris Coppola

Red-footed Tortoise (Chelonoidis carbonarius), family Testudinidae, found in savannahs and forest edges around the Amazon Basin of South America

photograph by Warren Farnell 

Pacific or Western Pond Turtle (Actinemys marmorata), family Emydidae, California

Vulnerable, due to habitat destruction/degradation and introduction of invasive species (like the Red-eared Slider).

This species was extirpated from Canada. It once ranged into British Colombia.

This is the only species of NATIVE freshwater turtle still found in California. (Other species have been introduced.)

photograph by Yathin S Krishnappa 

[bethanythebogwitch]

Wet Beast Wednesday: alligator snapping turtle

This will be a shorter WBW than usual, as I forgot to prep a post in advance and am writing this on short notice. Today's topic is the alligator snapping turtle, a beast from the bayou almost looks like a dinosaur. Macrochelys temminckii is the only member of its genus and, along with the three members of the genus Chelydra, is one of the four living snapping turtle species. Some scientists suggest splitting it into three species, but this is still a matter of debate. Snapping turtles are large, predatory turtles known for their very sharp beaks, extreme bite forces, and alleged aggressiveness.

(Image ID: an alligator snapping turtle sitting on gravel. It is a large, brown turtle. Its shall has three spiked ridged running down it. The head is large and angular, with a very sharp beak. It has small, brown eyes. Its mouth is open in a threat display. End ID)

The alligator snapping turtle is one of the largest freshwater turtles in the world, surpassed only by a few species of rare Asian softshells. The alligator snapping turtle can be distinguished from the common snapping turtle, whose range overlaps with that of the alligator snapping turtle, by the three spiky ridges going down its shell. These ridges, along with its powerful jaws, are often compared to those of an alligator, hence the common name. The turtles grow through their entire lives and can reach truly huge sizes. In the wild, adult males (who are larger than females) range between 35 and 80.8 cm (13.8 to 31.8 in) in caprapace (top shell) length and weigh between 8.4 and 80 kg (19 to 176 lbs). Sometimes, a true giant will be found, usually an old male. Reported weights of giant males include 113, 107, and 135 kg (249, 236, 298 lbs). The tail is longer and thicker than in most turtles. The head is large and thick and can deliver bites with a force averaging 159 newtons. This is less than the bite force of the common snapping turtle, but still enough to bite someone's finger off. The inside of the mouth is brownish and the tongue has an appendage that looks like a worm on it. Unlike most turtles, the alligator snapping turtle cannot withdraw into its shell. The plastron (lower shell) covers less of the body than in most species and cannot cover retracted limbs, heads, or tails.

(Image ID: a close-up of the head of an alligator snapping turtle with its mouth open. The tongue is visible, which has a pink, fleshy appendage that looks like a worm. End ID)

Alligator snapping turtles live in the southeast USA in rovers, streams, and lakes, preferably with deep water. They spend most of their lives in the water, only leaving if in search of a new home or when laying eggs. They are nocturnal, but may still hunt during the day. The turtles are passive ambush predators who sit perfectly still with their mouths open and tongues exposed. The worm-like appendage on the tongue is used to attract prey, which the turtle will bite down on quickly and with extreme force. This is a form of aggressive mimicry. You may be wondering what they eat and the answer is just about anything. Fish, amphibians, and snails appear to be the most common prey, but they will also feed on crayfish, insects, snakes, worms, birds, small mammals, other turtles, and even small alligators. Basically if it can fit in the turtle's mouth, it will be eaten. While not active predators, they will dig up burrows in search of food. They also feed on carrion and will sometimes eat aquatic plants. A turtle can go 50 minutes between breaths and they sit still so much that most individuals will have a thick layer of algae growing on their shells. The algae helps them camouflage as rocks when not moving. Fishermen tales often say that alligator snapping turtles can depopulate all of the fish in a body of water, but this does not appear to be true. Adult alligator snapping turtles have no natural predators while juveniles are eaten by fish, birds, raccoons, and other snapping turtles.

(Image ID: an alligator snapping turtle underwater in an aquarium. Picture from the Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute. End ID)

Mating takes place in spring, earlier in the season in more southern climates. Laying takes place around two months later. The females will leave the water and travel around 50 meters inland. The distance is to prevent the eggs from being flooded, which would kill them. She will build a nest in sandy soil and bury the eggs. No further care is provided. Clutches consist of between 8 and 60 eggs at a time. After 100-140 days, the eggs hatch. The hatchlings are fully independent and must make their own way in life. The sex of the hatchlings is determined by the temperature of the soil they are incubated in. Soil of 29-30 degrees C (84.2 to 86 F) results in primarily females, 25 to 27 C (77 to 80.6 F), results in primarily males, and anything in between results in a mix. Individuals become sexually mature after about 11-12 years. The maximum lifespan of wild turtles is unknown, but individuals in captivity can live over a century.

(Image ID: two baby alligator snapping turtles held in a person's hand. They are smaller than the person's palm, but otherwise look no different than the adults. One is on its back, displaying the small plastron. End ID)

(Image ID: alligator snapping turtles hatching in captivity. The eggs are small white spheres that look like ping-pong balls. The number 19 has been written on them in what appears to be sharpie. Several of the eggs have already hatched. In the middle of the picture, a turtle is pertially emerged from its egg. End ID

Alligator snapping turtles are classified as vulnerable by the IUCN. Their primary threat is habitat loss as wetlands are drained and dammed. They are also hunted and used as food by humans. This is common enough that some states have had to pass laws protecting the turtles. Despite being characterized as aggressive, alligator snapping turtles rarely attack humans and only in self-defense. Because they cannot retract into their shells, the turtles defend themselves by facing a potential threat with their mouths open as a warning. This has furthered its reputation as an aggressive animal. Because the turtles take so long to reproduce, restoring populations is a very slow process. Alligator snapping turtles are sometimes used as pets, though they need expert care due to their sheer size and the potential danger of handling them. Use in the pet trade has resulted in the turtles being introduced outside of their native range. They have become an invasive species on some places, notably in southern Africa.

(Image ID: an alligator snapping turtle next to a human man. The human is holding it up by the front of the shell to show its size. End ID)

[ignominious-scoundrel]

I have noticed some trends that the ROTTMNT fandom has hive-minded about.

Some are no-brainers, kind of a logical deduction, and others are humourously specific.

Leonardo hurts his (left?) knee after coming out of the prison dimension (why is it always the left knee?)

Donatello's shell was injured after being pulled/ripped out of the krang consol

Mikey's portal magic left him with some sort of nerve damage that causes tremors (and may require compression sleeves)

There is some sort of time dilation in the Prison Dimension (could be sped up/slowed down, and may be a minor/significant amount of time passed once Leo is pulled out)

Leo is the medic and has been so since a young age

Big Mama's assistant is Venus, and she would look like a female version of Leo (species/markings)

Donnie and Leo are really close and have some special twin relationship, unlike with Mikey and Raph

Leonardo has insomnia

Raph wakes up at 6 AM

Donnie is autistic (I had to add it anyways)

Donnie has a coffee addiction to a point of danger

Mikey has ADHD

Raph abuses punching bags /j

If Donnie had a tail, it would be long and thin

If Raph had a tail, it would look like an actual alligator tail instead of the tail of an alligator snapping turtle (macrochelys temminckii)

Leo is gay (sort of a no brainer but felt I should add it)

If any of the characters are trans, it's going to be a transmasc Leo

Mikey is the most likely to drown and die for some reason (makes sense with his species though)

All of the graffiti in the lair is done by Mikey maybe this was in an episode and I forgot I dunno

Regardless of whether his dynamic with Splinter is positive or negative, Baron Draxum is not allowed to be straight

Miyamoto Usagi is nonexistent, but Yuichi Usagi lives in the hidden city or something

Yuichi Usagi is employed by Hueso as a waiter

Future April wears and afro puff

Future Donnie has beard markings and is really tall and also swol af

Future Raph was Casey Jr's adoptive dad before he died

Casey Jr gets claustrophobic by the chaotic and busy streets of New York

Don has some robot body in the bad future (which is pulling from the 2012 plot)

Anything else to add?

[birbbones]

Alligator Snapping Turtle - Macrochelys temminckii

[artsfromspace]

Komodo dragon Varanus komodoensis

See, if you'd told me yesterday morning, before I started looking at reference pics, that komodo dragons were this colour- and patternful, I probably wouldn't have believed you. In most pictures they just look brown. But like!

I suspected this mans was freshly peeled at first and that's why he was so vibrant, but then of course I looked closer and. He's literally peeling at the moment. (This is my own picture btw, I just. Forgor.)

Or the zoo lied and it's a whole different monitor lizard lol.

Anyway! Check out my growing digital art zoo here, and tell me...

You can look them up or go by vibes :D If someone suggests something else and it doesn’t win, I’ll add it to my list for the future!

[critter-of-the-day]

28th of October 2024: Alligator Snapping Turtle

Let’s just keep the ridiculously large critters rolling for our Halloween season; here’s the Alligator Snapping Turtle (Macrochelys temminckii). They are the largest freshwater turtle in the USA [1], at a length of 40-70 cm and weight of 18-70 kg [2].

They are found mostly in the Southern parts of the United States [1], where they will prefer to stay in the parts of the waterways that offer cover to them, such as submerged logs, overhanging shrubbery, or beaver dams. They don’t leave the water, except to lay eggs, and so they also don’t spend time basking in the sun. Instead it is suspected that they use different water depths to adjust their temperature as the seasons change [3].

They are opportunistic generalist predators, being open to eating most things that come swimming their way [4]. That’s not even a metaphor, as their hunting strategy involves opening their mouth to reveal a worm-like appendage that their prey mistakes for food when the Alligator Snapping Turtle lies still. Thus they come closer and the turtle will eat them [2]. This obviously leads to a lot of fish in their diet, as well as crawfish and freshwater mussels, however researchers have also found remains of other turtles, mammals such as nutria, snakes, or even birds within their stomachs [4].

While they’re native to the USA, they have also been introduced to and are now considered an invasive species in South Africa [2]. In the 1960s and 1970s they were also threatened by commercial hunting, and while it’s been banned since, there are still people who illegal hunt them. They are also affected by the killing of other non-human animals by humans, as they may swallow hooks or become entangled in fishing lines [1]. They are rated as Vulnerable by the IUCN, but that assessment was made in 1996 and has not been updated since [5].

Sources: [1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [Image] 

[walterjenkel]

©photography by Walter Jenkel 2023 Alligator snapping turtle (Macrochelys temminckii) WALTER JENKEL @WalterJenkel walter_jenkel 

This beautiful turtle has a prehistoric appearance, which is why it is known as "the dinosaur of the turtle world". But poaching for its meat and shell, deforestation and contamination of aquatic ecosystems are the main reasons why it is on the red list of species in imminent danger of extinction. This situation has led to various states in southern North America legally regulating the prohibition of its capture. Currently there are some captive breeding projects for its repopulation 🐢🖤

[remesrobotics]

Snap Woman

DHN.009 - スナップウーマン “In a minute; I almost have this shot perfect.”

Good Point - Patient Bad Point - Hyperfocus Like - Natural beauty Dislike - Film

7’ (213.36 cm)

A non-combat robot built for civil engineering projects by Dr. Harp. She is based on the alligator snapping turtle (Macrochelys temminckii).

After Dr. Harp got over the heartbreak of losing Monitor Woman, she finally built another robot dedicated to filming, and photography. However, this time, instead of high speed 3D visualization for planning, Snap Woman specializes in timelapse; she will survey a specific area over a long period of time while another project is being done, and the footage is used to plan around patterns in weather, traffic, and other potential interference.

She is very slow and tough and extremely precise and patient with tedium. She does not necessarily have to sit still and do nothing while she records, due to the nature of her snapping single photos and assembling them into a sped up video. She is, however, extremely good at placing herself in the exact position each time she needs to take an image so as to create the illusion of a single, long shot.

She tries to do her work from vantage points where she can take photos of other interesting things between shots, preferring areas with nature, but if not, will settle for a good, high-up viewpoint where she can take additional timelapses of clouds, sunsets, and starscapes. She also adores taking photos of wildlife, especially macrophotography of invertebrates and other small animals.

On the downside, once she’s set on something, she will stick to it, usually completely ignoring anything outside of her immediate attention. She doesn’t get annoyed if interrupted; she just won’t be interrupted.

If she needs to defend herself, she can bite down hard enough to generate a concussive shockwave capable of deflecting physical ordinance (Gigaton Jaw).

Snap Woman has a basic pun name:

She is based on a snapping turtle

Her penchant for photography, indicated by the ‘snap’ of an old-fashioned shutter (even though she uses digital by necessity)

[rachelsrandomsphotos]

Alligator Snapping Turtle (Macrochelys temminckii)

Taken at FIT Botanical Gardens in Melbourne, FL

[blubushie]

HI I HAVE MORE QUESTIONS! why did you drink your own pee? what did that taste like? whats your favorite snake? whats your favorite lizard? favorite turtle? whats your favorite australian saying? whats your favorite sea animal besides killer whales? what color is your hair? how about your eyes? how tall are you? whats bushgender mean? do you play any instruments? whats the model of your car? what color is it? can you get custom license plates in australia? do YOU have a custom license plate?

Ah, Christ. Knew telling you cunts that would come back to bite me in the arse.

Why did you drink your own piss?

I was dying and thirsty. My pride and dignity is not more important than my life. So I drank my own piss. On the plus side, it worked. I had enough moisture in me to keep trekking for two days until I found actual water and then I was so half-lucid with dehydration that I almost drowned myself trying to drink it. On the plus side I got one helluva story and a new name!

(Don't do dehydration, kids.)

What did that taste like?

Tangy.

What's your favourite snake?

The one in me daks. Really though, probably Oxyuranus microlepidotus, or the dandarabilla. Most venomous snake on the planet, but not the most dangerous since these snakes are only really found in a VERY small region of the Outback in which VERY few people live, so you're very unlikely to encounter one. That said they do have the most toxic venom of all snake species on the planet (with the highest untreated lethality rate of all snake species at OVER EIGHTY PERCENT) and their venom goes into effect about 30 minutes after envenomation, and fatality usually occurs within 45 minutes of envenomation. So if you get bit you're fucked, basically.

Unlike many snakes, the dandarabilla ALSO has an envenomation rate of OVER EIGHTY PERCENT. That means that over 80% of the time they're going to inject venom. Venomous snakes can do something called a "dry bite," which is usually used as a warning strike and consists of them biting you without injecting venom. But the dandarabilla says "fuck that and fuck you, cunt" and INJECTS VENOM OVER EIGHTY PERCENT OF THE TIME.

Compare that to Crotalus atrox, the western diamondback rattlesnake, who only injects venom 60% of the time.

What's your favourite lizard?

The one in me daks. (For those of you that don't get it, chucking a piss is also called "draining the lizard" here.) My answer is Varanus giganteus, the perentie. I saw one eat a cat once. They scare me. I like them. (Also I fought one for rights to a pig carcass that I shot so they have no fear of humans.)

Favourite turtle?

The one in me- Okay this joke isn't working now. Macrochelys temminckii, the alligator snapping turtle. They're cool as hell, look fucking prehistoric, and can bite my fingers off. I think they're neat.

What's your favourite Australian saying?

"Well I'm not here to fuck spiders." City roos will tell you that we made that up as a joke for tourists but it's bullshit, we actually do say that in the Outback. We also use the alternative "Well I didn't come here to finger dingos." We're very crass, us Aussies.

If you ever want to find an Aussie in the wild just shout "AUSSIE AUSSIE AUSSIE" and any Aussies in the vicinity will immediately reply "OI OI OI!" It's our mating call.

I also love our age-old curse of "May your chooks turn into emus and kick your dunny down," which literally translates to "May your chickens (chooks) turn into emus and kick your toilet (dunny) down."

Also "dry as a dead dingo's donger," meaning you're very thirsty, "don't come the raw prawn with me," which means "don't try to pull one over on me," and every meaning of our slang usage of the word "piss."

What's your favourite sea animal besides orcas?

Octopodes are cool as. I love giant isopods. Siphonophores are pretty spiffy. I'd like to see marine iguanas.

What colour is your hair? How about your eyes? How tall are you?

I was born a strawberry blonde, but as I've gotten older it's darkened to a dirty blonde (I've got some neat natural highlights though). On good days (and with a lot of sun) it really lightens up to a golden blonde but that's usually only visible at the bottom of my mullet that gets sunlight. Most of my hair is obscured by my hat so it stays dark. I have light blue eyes that sort of alternate between blue and grey depending on the amount of light (grey in a room, light blue in direct sunlight). I'm a manlet and that's all I'm going to say about my height (I got my mum's shortness).

What's bushgender mean?

Honestly, I just... don't care about gender? It doesn't exist out in the bush. There's just my own biology and I'm not reminded of gender at all until I interact with people. I like it that way. I'm not necessarily nonbinary since I'm a bloke, it's just that gender is a complete afterthought to me so I just don't think about it. My gender is the bush. I am a bushie. The land doesn't care what I think of myself so why should I?

Do you play any instruments?

I can make dove calls with my hands. Also I play the harmonica but I'm terrible at it.

What's the model of your car? What colour is it?

'99 Ford. Not telling you the model because I don't like stalkers lmao but it's a ute with a camper in the tray. It's white. The paint reflects heat instead of absorbing so my engine is less likely to overheat in the Outback sun. Also white's an inoffensive colour so it stands out less in the bush than, say, black or blue or red or whatever.

Can you get custom number plates in Australia? Do you have a custom number plate?

Yes you can and yes I do! I run a business after all! I need to have something that identifies me!

[amazinganimalsfacts]

Did you know baby snapping turtles can live up to 50 years in captivity? This shows how long they can live and the care they need. They start small but grow big and need a lot of space and special care. If you're thinking about getting a baby turtle or just want to learn more, it's important to know about their needs. Key Takeaways Baby snapping turtles can live for 40 to 50 years in captivity, highlighting their long-term care requirements. Common snapping turtles are of least concern, while alligator snapping turtles face endangerment. Their diet requires a balance of live food, fruits, and vegetables, with commercial food forming only a part of it. A well-maintained habitat with the right tank size is essential as baby snapping turtles mature. Calcium and vitamin D supplements are necessary for shell health and overall well-being. Introduction to Snapping Turtles Snapping turtles are fascinating creatures that belong to the family Chelydridae. They have a unique classification and characteristics. There are two main types: the common snapping turtle (Chelydra serpentina) and the alligator snapping turtle (Macrochelys temminckii). The common snapping turtle is known for its adaptability and can live in many aquatic habitats. These turtles can grow to be quite large, making them a big responsibility as pets. It's important to know important snapping turtle facts, like their habitats and behaviors. The environment they live in greatly affects their health and happiness. Baby snapping turtles need special care, including a big aquarium for them to grow. A 75-gallon tank is the smallest recommended size, but bigger tanks or ponds are better for their growth. Taking care of these turtles means understanding their complex needs. This includes keeping the water clean, controlling the temperature, and regular maintenance. Before getting one, know that adult female common snapping turtles can lay up to 40 eggs at once. Helping baby snapping turtles grow means creating a good environment for them. This can be expensive and requires a lot of attention to make a healthy home for them. With the right care and knowledge, raising a baby snapping turtle can be very rewarding. It lets you learn about their interesting life cycle and natural behavior. What is a Snapping Turtle? Snapping turtles are part of a diverse turtle group. The common snapping turtle and the alligator snapping turtle are the most well-known types. They live in different places and play important roles in their ecosystems. Common and Alligator Snapping Turtle The common snapping turtle, known as Chelydra serpentina, lives across North America. It's considered "Least Concern" by the IUCN, meaning its numbers are stable. On the other hand, the alligator snapping turtle is bigger and looks different. It's mainly found in the southern U.S. Adult common snapping turtles are 25 to 47 cm long. Some can be almost 50 cm long and weigh between 4.5 to 16 kg. Unique Features of Snapping Turtles Snapping turtles have special traits that help them hunt. They have strong jaws and long tails, making them look like dinosaurs. The alligator snapping turtle is much bigger than the common one. The common snapping turtle has a great sense of smell. It uses its strong smell to find food. These turtles like to live in shallow ponds, lakes, and rivers. https://youtube.com/watch?v=BRrWiW1o19E Baby Snapping Turtle Characteristics Learning about baby snapping turtles is key for those who find these creatures fascinating. These young turtles have traits that set them apart from other turtles and adults. Their early life stages reveal much about their looks, size, and how they act. Appearance and Size Baby snapping turtles are quite small, measuring about two inches long. They look a lot like the bigger turtles, with dark skin and long tails. As they grow, they can get up to 12-15 cm (5-6 inches) long. They will keep growing and become much bigger as adults.

Behavior and Temperament The way baby snapping turtles act is quite interesting. At first, they seem gentle, but they might get more aggressive as they get older. These young turtles start off eating from their yolk sac and don't eat much for a few weeks after they hatch. They turn into ambush predators, waiting and then eating their prey. Giving them a calm place to live helps them adjust better. Natural Habitat of Baby Snapping Turtles It's key to know where baby snapping turtles live to help them grow and survive. They love slow waters like ponds, swamps, and streams. These places have lots of plants and hiding spots. This helps them catch food and hide from danger. Preferred Environment Baby turtles like murky waters full of plants. This lets them sneak up on prey and stay safe. Their home has some special features: Slow-moving or still water bodies Dense vegetation to provide cover Soft, muddy bottoms for easy burrowing Nearby basking sites such as logs afoot Water Quality and Temperature Keeping the water clean is vital for turtle health. It keeps their food fresh and fights off sickness. Baby snapping turtles need water that is: Free of harmful pollutants and chemicals Well-oxygenated to support aquatic life Maintained at a temperature range of 23-31°C for optimal growth Watching these things helps baby snapping turtles grow into strong adults. This way, they can live in the big snapping turtle habitats across North America. Raising Baby Snapping Turtles Raising baby snapping turtles needs careful planning and attention. A proper turtle tank setup is key for their growth and health. Here are the main things you need for good baby turtle care. Tank Setup and Requirements A good tank is the base for healthy baby snapping turtles. The water should be deep enough for them to stand and swim. Make sure it's deep enough for them to poke their noses out to breathe. It might take them about two weeks to settle in after moving to a new home. Use a minimum of a 10-gallon tank for hatchlings. A basking area is necessary, although snapping turtles may not use it as much as other species. Consider using artificial plants like bamboo for easier maintenance and cleaner environments. Filtration should be two to three times more efficient than conventional fish tanks due to higher waste production. Essential Equipment for Care Having the right equipment is key for the turtles' well-being. A shatterproof water heater with a guard will keep them safe from burns. Make sure the filter's suction doesn't trap the turtles. Lighting is important; use ZooMed PowerSun UV for heat and UVB exposure to keep their shells healthy. Check the water quality often with a home test kit for pH, nitrates, and nitrites. Adding hiding spots and enrichment items like rocks helps with healthy behavior. If you use substrate, choose large gravel for more enrichment. Keep an eye on the water temperature and quality to keep your turtles healthy. With proper care, they can live 25 to 40 years. Baby Snapping Turtle Diet It's crucial to know what baby snapping turtles need to eat for their health and growth. They eat both animals and plants because they are opportunistic omnivores. The right food helps them grow strong and stay healthy. Feeding Guidelines New baby snapping turtles might not eat right away because they can be stressed. To help them eat, give them lots of protein-rich foods often. Young turtles need to eat every day or every other day. But, adult snapping turtles should eat only two to three times a week to prevent getting too fat. Food Options for Optimal Nutrition A good diet for baby turtles has about 70 percent animal protein and 30 percent plants. Here are some great foods for them: Live insects such as crickets and mealworms Raw chicken and turkey meat Fresh water plants like duckweed and water hyacinth Small fish and crayfish

Leafy greens like romaine and mustard Commercial turtle foods that complement fresh offerings When feeding baby snapping turtles, always take out any food they don't eat. This keeps their tank clean and stops food from going bad. Paying close attention to their baby turtle diet helps them grow well and stay healthy. Common Baby Turtle Species The North American ecosystem is home to many baby turtle species. Each one has its own unique traits and likes where it lives. Among the most well-known are the snapping turtles, like the common snapping turtle and the alligator snapping turtle. Knowing how to tell these apart helps us appreciate their diversity and the need to protect them. Distinguishing Between Species It's easy to spot common baby turtles by their size, looks, and how they act. For instance: Common Snapping Turtle: Grows to about 19 inches as an adult. Young ones have a rough shell and are quite bold. Alligator Snapping Turtle: Can get bigger than 26 inches. It has a special three-part shell and uses a worm-like tongue to catch food. Eastern Box Turtle: Loves warm places and is easy to spot with its dome-shaped shell and bright colors. Painted Turtle: Known for its bright colors and love for sunbathing, it can grow up to 8 inches long. Habitat Ranges These snapping turtles live in different places. Common snapping turtles like freshwater lakes and slow rivers in the eastern U.S. Alligator snapping turtles prefer the southeast, living in big rivers and swamps. Here's a table that shows where each turtle likes to live: SpeciesPreferred HabitatSizeCommon Snapping TurtleFreshwater lakes, ponds, riversUp to 19 inchesAlligator Snapping TurtleLarge rivers, swampsOver 26 inchesEastern Box TurtleWoodlands, grasslandsUp to 6 inchesPainted TurtlePonds, lakesUp to 8 inches Some turtles, like the Red-eared Slider, have become a problem by living in man-made water and changing the local environment. Knowing what each turtle needs helps us protect these amazing reptiles where they live. Snapping Turtle Care Tips Proper care is key for snapping turtles to live a long and healthy life. It's important to keep their home clean and check the water quality. Watching for health signs helps spot problems early. This way, you can take action fast to keep your turtle healthy. Routine Care Practices It's crucial to pay attention to your snapping turtle's needs and environment. Here are some important care tips: Perform routine tank cleaning to prevent harmful bacteria buildup. Ensure water temperature is stable, ideally within 75°F to 80°F. Monitor water pH levels, keeping them between 6 and 7. Provide a spacious tank, as adult Common Snapping Turtles can grow to around 18 inches. Offer a varied diet including live prey and commercially prepared foods. Health Monitoring and Checks Watching your turtle's health is important. Look for signs that show they are doing well or not: Check for any signs of injury, especially in cases where turtles are housed together. Look for symptoms of shell deformities or signs of obesity, which can lead to organ issues. Examine behavior; young turtles may be shy when handled but should be feeding vigorously. Regular health checks can help detect issues like missing tail tips, which may be common in younger turtles. Understanding Snapping Turtle Behavior It's important to understand snapping turtle behavior for anyone who owns or is interested in them. These turtles have a unique way of acting that shows their natural instincts. They live mostly in water, about 90%, which helps them hide and hunt. Baby snapping turtles are shy and avoid fights. They often hide in their shells when scared, showing they need a safe place. Owners should be careful not to scare them, as they can get hurt easily. Snapping turtles don't like to be around each other much. They are mostly alone and might fight during mating or over territory. They use body language and senses to talk to each other and find food.

Feeding snapping turtles needs to be done carefully. They eat both plants and animals, but in captivity, this can cause problems. Knowing what they naturally eat helps make their home better for them. Behavioral AspectDescriptionTime Spent in WaterApproximately 90% of their life, showing a strong preference for aquatic environmentsJaw StrengthMeasured between 208 to 226 Newtons, indicating their ability to inflict significant bitesSocial InteractionsPrimarily solitary with aggression mainly during mating or territorial disputesCommunicationUses visual signals and senses like smell and vibrations to interactFeeding BehaviorOmnivorous diet, primarily feeding on carrion and various aquatic animalsLife SpanUp to 30 years in the wild and 47 years in captivity How to Purchase a Baby Snapping Turtle Buying baby snapping turtles needs careful thought and research. It's important to find reputable turtle breeders for a healthy pet. Knowing where to look and what to check is key for your turtle's well-being. Finding Reputable Breeders Reputable turtle breeders are key when buying a baby snapping turtle. Look for breeders with good reviews and a solid history. Websites like Morph Market and Kingsnake.com list breeders you can trust. Check their history, turtle health, and the species they offer. Considerations Before Buying Before you buy, think about the turtle species you want. Common snapping turtles grow bigger than alligator snapping turtles. Make sure you're ready for a long-term commitment, as these turtles can live over 100 years. Check the turtle's health and ask about its diet and home. Prices vary, from $25 for common turtles to $60 or more for exotic ones. Make sure your home has a big enough aquarium and good water quality for your turtle. CriteriaCommon Snapping TurtleAlligator Snapping TurtleSize at MaturityUp to 15 inchesUp to 30 inchesWeight10 - 25 poundsUp to 120 poundsPrice Range$25 - $50$60 - $100+LongevityOver 100 yearsOver 50 yearsPreferred HabitatFreshwater lakes, riversFreshwater rivers, swamps Life Expectancy and Growth of Baby Snapping Turtles Snapping turtles can live from 50 to 100 years in captivity, with some living up to 170 years. In the wild, they usually live about three decades. This long life means caring for a snapping turtle is a big commitment. Baby snapping turtles grow fast, reaching up to 6 inches in their first year. Males mature at 3 to 5 years, while females take 4 to 6 years. They keep growing, but more slowly after they mature. Their growth can be seen through rings on their shell, showing when they had plenty of food. For baby snapping turtles to grow well, they need good food and care. They need the right diet and a great place to live. A good home and clean water help them grow big and strong. Conclusion Learning how to care for baby snapping turtles is key for anyone thinking of having one as a pet. These turtles are cute and seem like they're from another time. But, taking care of them is a big responsibility. It's important to know how to set up their home, feed them right, and keep an eye on their health. Looking into snapping turtle facts is a good way to learn what makes them special. This knowledge helps owners make the best choices for their pets. It's important to know that baby snapping turtles love to eat animal proteins. They might not eat greens right away, so it's best to wait until they're older to introduce them to a varied diet. Creating a good home for them is also crucial. They do best in environments that are similar to their natural habitats. This helps them grow and stay healthy. With the right food and living space, baby snapping turtles can live a long life in captivity. They are safer from predators in a home. By getting ready and understanding their needs, owners can help these amazing turtles thrive at home. FAQ What is the ideal tank setup for a baby snapping turtle? A baby snapping turtle needs a big tank with water that lets it breathe air.

Add a basking dock, a good filter, and lights with heat and UVB for shell health. How often should I feed my baby snapping turtle? Feed your baby snapping turtle 2-3 times a week with foods like worms, small fish, and bugs. Change how often you feed based on its growth and health. What kind of habitat do baby snapping turtles need? Baby snapping turtles do well in slow-moving, murky waters with lots of plants. Making their home like their natural one makes them feel safe and helps them hunt. What are the signs of stress in baby snapping turtles? Stress signs include being very tired, not wanting to eat, or hiding a lot. Watch their behavior and living space closely, as changes can cause health problems. Can baby snapping turtles be kept in groups? You can keep baby snapping turtles together if you give them enough space and things to do. Watch them to make sure they don't fight over territory. How do I create a proper diet for my baby snapping turtle? Feed your baby snapping turtle different proteins like worms, shrimp, and small fish. Giving them a variety of food helps them grow healthy. How do I find reputable breeders for baby snapping turtles? Search for breeders online at Morph Market and Kingsnake.com, checking reviews and trustworthiness. Make sure to look at their breeding methods and the turtles' health before buying. What is the life expectancy of baby snapping turtles? With the right care, baby snapping turtles can live 50-100 years. It's important to understand their long lives and needs before getting one. What should I do if my baby snapping turtle isn’t eating? If your turtle isn't eating, it might be stressed from its new home. Give it time to settle, check the water quality, and try different foods to get it to eat again. Are baby snapping turtles good pets? Baby snapping turtles can be great pets with the right care and time. They need a good home, lots of care, and a lot of time to be happy and healthy pets.

[herpsandbirds]

Alligator Snapping Turtle (Macrochelys temminckii), family Chelydridae, southeastern U.S.

This is the heaviest freshwater turtle in North America. The largest verified alligator snapper weighed in at 113 kg (249 lb).

photograph by Eric Soehren

[cocopuffbutgayer]

I got sick and wrote an essay prt 1

(Sources missouri wild life, Wikipedia and dum stuff I randomly know this is nor a real essay 💅🔥✨️)1.Alligator snapping turtles(Macrochelys temminckii)They are very large with sharp scutes and sharp beaks. the plastron and beaks looks a lot like water logged wood as a way of hiding from prey there found exclusively in the United States, from northern Florida to eastern Texas and as far north as Iowa. They are basicly all aquatic. tend to stay submerged and motionless for so long that algae begins to grow on their shells!(not to be confused with shell rot) They can go 50 minutes before needing to surface for air, these turtles almost never come on land(not counting females when laying eggs). River systems, lakes, and wetland are their main habitats.Their tongue allows them to catch prey they have a small red and or pinklishes tongue and wiggle it To attract an unsuspecting victim,(dun dun dun) this turtle will lay on the bottom of the riverbed and open his jaws. A fish that gets tricked by the turtle’s tongue(womp womp) will swim right into the range of the hungry predator’s beaks.they can also actively search for prey by tasting chemicals in the water that are indicative of a particular species(way cool). This way, even when their prey is hiding in the sediment, they can still sense them very very cool(thats two verys). Some myths claim that alligator snapping turtles are known to attack people, but this isn’t the case(how rude). But with a bite force of 1,000 pounds, their powerful jaws can snap through they can (depending on the size) bite off you hole hand but don't attempt to hurt humans unless provoked, so dont try to hold them unless your trained they do start off small but grow gigantic so unless you have a lot of food practice and thick gloves i would not keep them as a house pet(but fr dont get them as pets unless you research and know a lot)plants are 1/3 diet but mostly smaller reptiles fish and insect anything they can catch I have no clue if they are able to make sound I looked for like twenty minutes :( 2.spiny soft shelled turtel (Apalone spinifera)The eastern spiny softshell mainly inhabits large rivers and streams, but it also lives in lakes, large ponds, and even roadside and irrigation ditches.(it likes mud a lot) It is most common in tributaries and closed side channels of the Mississippi River. This species can tolerate a variety of bottom substrates, including mud, sand, or gravel.The eastern spiny softshell is active between late March and October.it is very aggressive(rabid Lil guys).Daily activity includes foraging for food in early morning, basking in the sun like on logs or along the bank,(it can breathe above air and in water)and resting in shallow water with the shell covered by mud or sand like the true kings and queens they are. There is a short period of feeding during the afternoon and evening that may extend into the night. They mostly sleep in mud but trees and stumps.Spiny softshells have a habit of floating near the surface in deep water but will quickly dive to safety with the slightest disturbance.To escape the cold temperatures of winter, this species will bury itself in a few inches of mud or sand at the bottom of a river, lake, exetra starting in October or November. A study of turtles on the Osage River in St. Clair County showed that they mainly ate crayfish and aquatic insects with an occasional fish. This turtle is not a threat to Missouri’s game fish populations.They often lie buried in mud, sand, and shallow water. By extending the head and neck so that the snout just breaks the surface, they can breathe in a snorkel-like manner. All softshells are mainly carnivorous. They actively search for and pursue prey or capture it by ambush so they literally pop off...then kill things I mean who hasn't They quote "eat anything that can fit in their mouth" they make clicking chips and hisses and if given the chance would bite off your knee caps