150 ^Journal of Comparative Neurology aijd Psychology. 



body of water to another. I have found both males and females 

 on land at least half a mile from water. 



If brought to bay on land large specimens will make a bold 

 advance to the attack. Seldom will they retreat as do other 

 species. When one approaches close enough they lunge forward 

 with a movement that might almost be termed a leap, snapping 

 savagely at the offender. Their lunge frequently results in a loss 

 of equilibrium and gives them an aspect of impotent fury. When 

 seized by the tail they snap blindly without any apparent objective 

 point. This aimless snapping seems to be an expression of some- 

 thing akin to anger. Like Aromochelys, they reach back over 

 the carapace with eyes directed downward. 



Like Aromochelys, too, they emit a musky secretion from the 

 inguinal glands that, although not so nauseating as the emission 

 of the musk tortoise, is decidedly unpleasant. Their habit of 

 burying the body in the mud and the general inconspicuousness 

 of carapace, head and limbs, might be cited as factors in their 

 equipment for self defense. 



Chelydra either stalks its prey or lies in wait for it. In the 

 former case it approaches a resting tadpole or frog w^ith move- 

 ments so slow as to be almost imperceptible. The head is thrust 

 out stiff and is kept very steady and when within easy reach of its 

 prey the fierce jaws are suddenly opened and closed with a snap 

 that leaves no hope of escape for the victim. In the latter case 

 it lies buried in the mud at the bottom, allowing only the head to 

 protrude. The long wormlike tongue is thrust out, probably as a 

 lure for unwary fish. When the prey comes within reach it is 

 suddenly snapped up. 



Chelydra captures large animals, such as voung ducks, by 

 seizing them by the feet and dragging them beneath the surface. 

 I have seen several such tragedies. Whole strings of fish, left 

 hanging over the side of the boat by inexperienced fishermen have 

 been stolen by voracious "snappers." It is not uncommon for 

 fishermen to lose their tackle when a "snapper" takes their bated 

 hook. Their weight and strength are too much for any but the 

 heaviest tackle. The young feed upon the larvae of insects that 

 are found by burrowing in the mud. 



Only in one instance have I observed the female Chelydra 

 during the nesting process. On this occasion the nest was more 

 than half completed when I first caught sight of her. Although 



