Alligator snapping turtle vs common snapping turtle fight

The sight of a snapping turtle is enough to give most people pause, given their reputation for being able to inflict damage with their powerful, snapping jaws.

The alligator snapping turtle Macrochelys temminckii is a large species of turtle in the family Chelydridae. The species is native to freshwater habitats in the United States. The specific epithet temminckii is in honor of Dutch zoologist Coenraad Jacob Temminck. Although it was once believed that only one extant species exists in the genus Macrochelys , recent studies have shown that there are two species, the other being the Suwannee snapping turtle M. The alligator snapping turtle is given its common name because of its immensely powerful jaws and distinct ridges on its shell that are similar in appearance to the rough, ridged skin of an alligator. It is also slightly less commonly known as "the loggerhead snapper" not to be confused with the loggerhead sea turtle or loggerhead musk turtle. The alligator snapping turtle is found primarily in freshwaters of the southeastern United States.

Alligator snapping turtle vs common snapping turtle fight

The sight of a snapping turtle is enough to give most people pause, given their reputation for being able to inflict damage with their powerful, snapping jaws. The world is home to just two species of snapping turtles — common snapping turtles and alligator snapping turtles — and both live in Illinois. Even though both species live in the state, odds are if you've seen one, it's a common snapping turtle. How can we be so sure? First, because alligator snapping turtles live mainly in the southeastern United States, although their range does extend into southern Illinois, according to the Illinois News Bureau. However, they do not live as far north as Will County. That means if you see a snapper in our area, it's a common snapping turtle. And as their name would imply, common snapping turtles are quite common, while alligator snapping turtles are quite rare across most of their range. In fact, alligator snappers are listed as threatened or endangered in most of the states where they live, according to National Geographic. In Illinois, the alligator snapping turtle is one of five turtles listed as endangered, along with Blanding's turtles, spotted turtles, yellow mud turtles and river cooters. Physically, it is quite easy to tell the difference between a common snapper and an alligator snapper, because alligator snappers look prehistoric, with large spikes on their shells and primitive faces, while common snapping turtles have smooth shells, the National Wildlife Federation reports. Alligator snapping turtles are also quite a bit bigger than common snapping turtles. In fact, they are the largest freshwater turtles in the world, National Geographic reports.

Now coming to the common snapping turtles, their average size is 8 — 14 inches. Their bite is strong enough to break through bone, the National Wildlife Federation reports.

Have you ever wondered what the difference is between an alligator snapping turtle Macrochelys temminckii and a common snapping turtle Chelydra serpentina? As babies, the differences between the alligator snapping turtle and common snapping turtle are a tad harder to notice. As common snappers mature, the dorsal ridges become smaller, and the shell smooths out. The alligator snapping turtle keeps their ridges throughout its entire life. They keep their spiky ridges into adulthood. Even their skin seems tougher , with more bumps and wrinkles. Their heads are angular , taking on an almost triangular appearance from above, and their eyes are positioned on the sides of their head.

The sight of a snapping turtle is enough to give most people pause, given their reputation for being able to inflict damage with their powerful, snapping jaws. The world is home to just two species of snapping turtles — common snapping turtles and alligator snapping turtles — and both live in Illinois. Even though both species live in the state, odds are if you've seen one, it's a common snapping turtle. How can we be so sure? First, because alligator snapping turtles live mainly in the southeastern United States, although their range does extend into southern Illinois, according to the Illinois News Bureau. However, they do not live as far north as Will County.

Alligator snapping turtle vs common snapping turtle fight

The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research. Have you ever mistaken an alligator snapping turtle with a common snapping turtle? Well, when young, both turtles have a similar appearance and habits. But once grown, these turtles show several dissimilarities. Here is a brief comparison between common snapping turtle vs. Common snapping turtles are medium-sized, enjoy an average lifespan, and are less aggressive.

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Many turtles can be seen crossing roads at this time of year. The alligator snapping turtle keeps their ridges throughout its entire life. Alligator snapping turtle using its vermiform appendage to lure prey Peckham's mimicry. For example, the common snapping turtles have smooth and rounded shells. As you have seen, the female alligator snapping turtles lay up to 50 eggs per clutch. Archived from the original on March 7, Retrieved April 22, Again, the incubation period is also longer for this subspecies, around days. Do you know you can calculate the age of a snapping turtle by its weight? In Bavaria , a turtle was accused of causing injury to a child, but the claim was never substantiated and the turtle in question was never found. Nine out of 10 nests will be raided by predators such as crows, minks, skunks, foxes and raccoons. Because of collection for the exotic pet trade, overharvesting for its meat, and habitat destruction, some states have imposed bans on collecting the alligator snapping turtle from the wild. But when it comes to an enclosure, the alligator snapping turtles need a bigger house. So, as per the demand and supply rule, the alligator snapping turtle is always pricey.

When I got my first common snapping turtle, I was completely lost, so I quickly searched for a care sheet, but all I could find were care guides that told me where they live, how big they get and other not-so practical information.

How can we be so sure? Otherwise, you will fail to raise this subspecies too. Snapping turtles can stay underwater for 4 — 7 hours without a break when asleep. Hence, they can not create massive damage to the attacker. It can be immediately distinguished from the common snapping turtle by the three distinct rows of spikes and raised plates on the carapace , whereas the common snapping turtle has a smoother carapace. They both will live much longer in captivity than in the wild, Animal Diversity Web reports. Herpetological Conservation and Biology. Depending on the weather, snapping turtles hibernate for up to 6 months in a muddy area. On the contrary, the alligator snapping turtles are worthy of their names. Alligator snapping turtles are also quite a bit bigger than common snapping turtles. Vets Expand child menu Expand. Humans are also a threat to the alligator snapping turtle. So, comparing the alligator and common snapping turtle based on speed is not a bad idea.