FIELD BOOK OF PONDS AND STREAMS 



Fig. 310. — Snapping turtle, Chelydra serpentina; 

 I, from above; 2, ventral side showing the small 

 plastron which allows free action of the legs and 

 head. 



along the middle of the carapace but these do not show very 

 much in older turtles. 



Habits, habitat. — Except around the egg-laying season 

 snapping turtles stay in ponds and meandering marsh 

 streams, patrolling the bottom or hanging relaxed in the water 



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