Macroclemys

Like Chelydra, Macroclemys grabs crustaceans, worms, fish, frogs and snakes, and it also eats static prey like plants and clams.

Archive 2006-05-01 Darren Naish 2006

Recall that the term ‘snapper’ refers specifically to Chelydra serpentina, and is never used for alligator snapper Macroclemys temminckii.

Archive 2006-02-01 Darren Naish 2006

Macroclemys, the alligator snapper, is altogether different from Chelydra in terms of what it does and what it can do.

Archive 2006-05-01 Darren Naish 2006

On the taxonomic side of things, check the literature and you see an annoying amount of inconsistency on the generic name, with authors switching between Macroclemys, Macroclemmys and Macrochelys.

Archive 2006-02-01 Darren Naish 2006

Turtle, Alligator Snapping Macroclemys temminckii 132, 192

The Field Guide to Wildlife Habitats of the Eastern United States Janine M. Benyus 1989

Turtle, Alligator Snapping Macroclemys temminckii 132, 192

The Field Guide to Wildlife Habitats of the Eastern United States Janine M. Benyus 1989

Turtle, Alligator Snapping Macroclemys temminckii 132, 192

The Field Guide to Wildlife Habitats of the Eastern United States Janine M. Benyus 1989

I will not disagree with Matt Wedel’s contention that among the most interesting turtles of them all are the snappers: the two extant members of Chelydridae, Chelydra serpentina (the American snapping turtle) and Macroclemys temminckii (the Alligator snapping turtle) [incidentally, the Big-headed turtle Platysternon has been included at times within this family, though whether it’s even close to chelydrids is now disputed].

Archive 2006-02-01 Darren Naish 2006