ALLIGATOR TERRAPIN 39 



THE SNAPPING TERRAPINS 

 Chelydridae 



The Alligator Terrapin, 1 of Louisiana, and other states 

 bordering on the Gulf between Florida and Texas, is, when 

 adult, a huge, rough-backed, big-headed creature, weighing 

 from 100 to 125 pounds, and even attaining on rare occasions 

 to 150 pounds. This is the largest terrapin in North America, 

 and also the ugliest. The broad and rather flat table of its 

 upper surface rises in a series of brown hillocks, earthy- 

 looking, and often actually covered with moss. 



The head is of huge proportions, and the strength of the 

 jaws is very great. The tail is very long and fleshy — which 

 is rather unusual in Chelonians. Notwithstanding the rough 

 exterior of this creature, its flesh is eaten by many persons 

 who share its habitat. 



This remarkable reptile is found only in the semi-tropical 

 fresh-water bayous and streams of the South. A specimen 

 that recently lived in the Reptile House at New York meas- 

 ured as follows: 



Length of head and neck 12 in. 



Length of shell 23 in. 



Length of tail 19 in. 



Total length 54 in. 



Width of shell 18 in. 



Weight 113^ lbs. 



It is a shy animal, and if not permitted to live under the 

 crocodile's raft which floats in the pool, it will not eat its 

 usual daily ration of raw meat or fish. It never attempts 



1 Mac-ro-chel'ys tem-minck'i. 



