Alligator+snapping+turtle

= = = __Alligator Snapping Turtle__ = Quick info The Alligator Snapping Turtle is one is the largest freshwater turtle in the world. It is larger and less aggresive relative of the common snapping turtle. They generally do not grow quite large. average adult size is around 26inches shell length with a weight of 175lb. Males are typically larger than females. Alligator Snapping Turtles can also range in length from 16 to 32inches(40.4cm to 80.8cm). Made up with one or more cells -They are made up with skin cells,eye cells and more and more... Grow and develop -The young are about 4.4cm at birth. If, they are full grown they will be 40.4 to 80.8. Reproduce -The female turtle lay eggs in the hole to keep them safe and when they come out they have to care them selves Respond -If the fish come nearly to there mouth, they will shut the mouth quickly so they can't escape. **Size** Alligator snapping turtles are the world’s largest freshwater turtle species. Shells can exceed 30 inches in length, and males can weigh up to 200 pounds. **Range** Southeastern U.S., extending along the Mississippi River **Habitat** Lakes, swamps, streams and slow-moving muddy bottom rivers **Lifestyle** A

lligator snapping turtles are “sit-and-wait” predators, lurking at the water’s bottom and waiting for unsuspecting prey. Fish and other smaller creatures

approaching closely enough to investigate the “worm” in the snapping turtle’s mouth are immediately crushed by the powerful jaws and swallowed. **Food** Alligator snapping turtles feed on aquatic animals, including fish, mussels and smaller reptiles. **Life Cycle** Females typically lay around 10 to 45 eggs once a year in spring. Cooler temperatures produce males; higher temperatures, females. Hatchlings dig out of the nest after about 90 days. Alligator snapping turtles provide no parental protection or care for their nests or their offspring. **Some of My Neighbors (IN THE WILD)** Fish, frogs, snakes, otters

**Population Status & Threats** Alligator snapping turtle eggs and hatchlings risk predation by raccoons and birds. Adults have no natural enemies besides human.

Organization

The Alligator Snapping Turtle is characterized by a large, heavy head, and a long, thick shell with three dorsal ridges of large scales (osteoderms) giving it a primitive appearance reminiscent of some of the plated dinosaurs. They can be immediately distinguished from the Common Snapping Turtle by the three distinct rows of spikes and raised plates on the carapace, whereas the Common Snapping Turtle has a smoother carapace. They are a solid gray, brown, black, or olive-green in color, and often covered with algae. They have radiating yellow patterns around the eyes, serving to break up the outline of the eye and keep the turtle __ camouflaged __. Their eyes are also surrounded by a star-shaped arrangement of fleshy filamentous "eyelashes."
 * Kingdom: || [|Animalia] ||
 * Phylum: || [|Chordata] ||
 * Class: || [|Reptilia] ||
 * Order: || [|Testudines] ||
 * Family: || [|Chelydridae] ||
 * Genus: || //**Macrochelys**// ||
 * Species: || //**M. temminckii**// ||