The most obvious difference is the snapper’s shell, which has three distinct rows (keels) of spikes that give it a decidedly more primitive look.
2006, Pritchard 2006). BEHAVIOR. The Alligator snapping turtle is one of the heaviest freshwater turtles in the world. No Pref Female Male.
The common snapping turtle mates between April and November, while the alligator snapping turtle breeds during early to late spring, depending on the region. On this episode of Dragon Tails, Coyote takes a major bite from a huge Alligator Snapping Turtle! The largest freshwater turtle in the world, the alligator snapping turtle has many distinguishing characteristics. The upper shell has 3 prominent ridges — 1 along the center line and 1 on either side.
The alligator snapping turtle is physically different from the common snapping turtle in a number of ways. The adults hunt in the deep water of rivers, lakes, swamps, ponds and bayous where plants and algae enhance their camouflage.
The alligator snapping turtle is the largest freshwater turtle in North America. John Richards and Loggerhead Acres Turtle Farm has been working with Alligator Snapping Turtles for over 20 years.
Snapping turtles come formidably armed and large – even enormous, in the case of the alligator snapper – and thus are most vulnerable to predation when young.
ON EXHIBIT: Delta Swamp and Turtle Gallery in River Journey Alligator snapping turtles live in rivers whose water drains into the Gulf of Mexico. Male alligator snapping turtles can reach lengths of 29 inches (73.7 centimeters) and 249 pounds (112.9 kilograms), while females can reach lengths of 22 inches (55.9 centimeters) and 62 pounds (28.1 kilograms) (Ewert et al. Little is known concerning the lifespan of wild turtles. Average adult size is 15 to 26 inches in carapace length. The alligator snapping turtle is a huge aquatic species with a noticeably large head (as compared to other species of turtles). This 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.
Snapping turtle predators include everything from egg-eating ants and rats to the relatively few large hunters capable of preying on adults. Both species dig out nests in which to lay eggs, with the common variety producing up to 80 and the alligator snapping turtle …
Please feel free to request a male or female turtle (or any combination thereof) when you order our medium and adult sized reptiles, but please be aware that we cannot guarantee the sex. Sexing Your Common Snapping Turtle. We are passionate about our work with turtles and hope we can share our knowledge with you.