The Common Snapping Turtle is a large species of turtle that is native to much of the United States and Canada.
This species has powerful beak-like jaws which it uses to deliver a crushing bite to its prey.
Adult Common Snapping Turtles have been found in both Italy and Japan, which were likely released pets. It isn’t yet known if they are established in Italy but large numbers have been found in parts of Japan.
Common Snapping Turtle Taxonomy
In the Animal Kingdom, Taxonomy is used as the science and practice of classifying different species and sub-species based on their biological and genetic makeup.
Family
The family that the Common Snapping Turtle belongs to is called Chelydridae. This is a family of Snapping Turtles.
There are currently 2 living genera in the family and 7 genera of extinct species.
The two living genera are Chelydra and Macrochelys, which combined consist of a total of 5 living species.
Some of the species in this family include the Alligator Snapping Turtle and the Suwannee Snapping Turtle.
Genus
The genus that the Common Snapping Turtle belongs to is called Chelydra. All three species in this genus are native to the Americas.
One can be found in North America while the other two are native to Central and South America.
The three species in this genus were once all considered to be sub-species of the same turtle but have since been reclassified as individual species.
The other two species in this genus are the South American Snapping Turtle and the Central American Snapping Turtle.
Species
The scientific name for the Common Snapping Turtle is Chelydra serpentina and there are currently no recognised sub-species.
The species was first described in 1758 by a Swedish taxonomist named Carl Linnaeus.
Common Snapping Turtle Description
The Common Snapping Turtle has a rugged, bumpy upper shell or carapace that can vary in color from dark brown to black.
Its shell is quite large and can reach lengths of up to 18-20 inches (45-50cm) in adult females, while males are usually smaller.
The shell features a serrated rear edge, which helps distinguish it from other turtle species.
One of the most distinctive features of the Common Snapping Turtle is its large head and powerful jaws.
The jaws have a sharp, hooked beak that allow them to grab prey effectively.
When threatened, snapping turtles can deliver a powerful bite, and they have a strong neck that allows them to reach their head around to snap at potential predators.
Natural Habitat and Distribution
The Common Snapping Turtle has a broad geographic distribution across North America.
They are primarily found in the Eastern and Central parts of the Continent. Their range extends from Southern Canada down to the Gulf of Mexico. They are found east of the Rocky Mountains.
In Canada, the Common Snapping Turtle can be found in Ontario and Quebec. They tend to inhabit the southern parts of these provinces due to the warmer climate.
In the Southern United States, snapping turtles are found in states along the Gulf of Mexico, including Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida.
They can also be found in the South-Eastern coastal States such as Georgia and the Carolinas.
The Common Snapping Turtle is widely distributed in the Eastern United States, ranging from New England down to Florida.
Their range extends as far as the Central and Mid-Western regions of the United States, including states such as Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, and Michigan.
These turtles are highly adaptable and can be found in a variety of freshwater habitats.
They inhabit ponds, lakes, rivers, marshes, swamps, and slow-moving streams. They are equally comfortable in both permanent and temporary bodies of water.
Common Snapping Turtle Behaviour
The Common Snapping Turtle is generally a solitary creature and they spend much of their time in the water.
They are excellent swimmers and are well adapted to their aquatic lifestyle. While they may appear slow and sluggish on land, they are surprisingly agile in water.
These turtles are omnivores, meaning they consume both plant and animal matter.
Their diet includes aquatic plants, insects, crustaceans, small fish, amphibians, and carrion.
They are opportunistic feeders and will consume whatever food is available in their environment.
A Female will lay their eggs in nests they dig in sandy or loose soil and may travel significant distances from water to find suitable nesting sites.
After laying eggs, the females cover the nest and return to their aquatic habitat. The eggs hatch in late summer, and the hatchlings make their way to the water.