The Snapping Turtles 



THE ALLIGATOR SNAPPING TURTLE 

 Macrochelys lacertina, (Schweigger) 



Attains a maximum weight of about 140 pounds and a 

 length of shell of about 28 inches. 



General structural characters much like the preceding 

 species, but differing as follows: 



1. There are no large shields under the tail, but in their 

 place, small, rounded scales. 



2. The presence of additional marginal shields (supramar- 

 ginals) . 



3. The much higher keels on the carapace. 



Colouration. — Carapace, head and limbs, pale brown, or 

 yellowish. The plastron is of a similar, though paler hue. 



Dimensions. — The measurements relate to a specimen 

 captured in the Mississippi River: 



Length of Carapace 25 inches. 



Width of " 20 



Length of Plastron i6j " 



Circumference of Head 24^ " 



Length of Tail 2 1 1 " 



Weight 115 pounds. 



Distribution. — Rivers emptying into the Gulf of Mexico, 

 from western Texas to western Florida. The species ranges 

 northward to Missouri. Common in the Mississippi River. 



Habits. — This giant among fresh-water reptiles, is but a 

 magnified duplication of the common snapping turtle, both 

 in looks and actions. Its pale brown hues well match the muddy 

 waters it inhabits. With its colours in perfect harmony, it 

 lies motionless on the soft bottom, ready to seize, with a lightning- 

 like dart the unsuspicious fish that comes its way. While thus 

 resting it is able to entice its prey by a remarkable appendage 

 attached to the inside of the lower jaw, close to the region of 

 the tongue. This is a well-developed filament of flesh, white 

 and distinct from the yellowish mouth-parts and resembling 

 a large grub to such a degree of nicety that the popular-minded 

 observer, seeing the object in the reptile's mouth would declare 

 it to be the larva of some insect. More striking, however, is 

 the reptile's power to keep this appendage in motion, giving 

 it the aspect of crawling about in a small, circular course. 



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