Common Snapping Turtle
Chelydra serpentina
Length of shell ranges from 8 to 18 inches long and tail is often as long as the shell. Color of shell ranges from dark brown to tan, occasionally can occur in black. Nec…
How to identify
Length of shell ranges from 8 to 18 inches long and tail is often as long as the shell. Color of shell ranges from dark brown to tan, occasionally can occur in black. Neck, legs, and tail are yellow and head is dark. Characteristic tubercles on legs and neck.
Range
Throughout the central & eastern United States and parts of southern and eastern Canada. Range extends to Nova Scotia and Southern Alberta, south to the Gulf of Mexico & Central Texas.
Habitat
Aquatic, found only in fresh or brackish water. Prefer muddy bottoms and heavy vegetation.
Similar species
Name and etymology
Genus
Chelydra
Greek for water (hydros) turtle (chelys).
Origin
Sources
- Schweigger, 1812. Konigsberg. Arch. Natur. Math., Vol. 1, Pt. 3, p. 292
Chelydra. Schweigger, 1812 - Konigsberg. Arch. Natur. Math., Vol. 1, Pt. 3, p. 292
Species epithet
serpentina
Latin for snake-like, referencing the species neck.
Origin
Sources
- (Linnaeus, 1758). Syst. Nat., 10th ed., Vol. 1, p. 199 ↗
Chelydra serpentina. (Linnaeus, 1758) - Syst. Nat., 10th ed., Vol. 1, p. 199
Explore more names in the etymology index.
At a glance
Size
20.0 to 45.0 cm
Range
Throughout the central & eastern United States and parts of southern and eastern Canada. Range extends to Nova Scotia and Sou…
Habitat
Aquatic, found only in fresh or brackish water. Prefer muddy bottoms and heavy vegetation.
Range map
Approximate range. © Mapbox © OpenStreetMap