Class: Reptilia Order: Testudines Family: Chelydridae Genus: Macroclemys Species: temminckii
This robust aquatic turtle is found in the central United States, primarily in the Mississippi river in Illinois. Three rows of scutes (ridges) on the carapace (top of the shell) a very large head, tiny, star-shaped eyes and a hooked beak distinguish the alligator from the common snapping turtle. This turtle cannot withdraw completely into its shell.
Their primary habitats can be found in the southeastern and central United States, mainly within the Mississippi River drainage system, including Illinois, Missouri, Arkansas, Louisiana, and Texas. They prefer deep, slow-moving freshwater bodies such as large rivers, oxbows, bayous, lakes, and swamps. They like muddy bottoms and plenty of submerged logs or debris for concealment.
Their diet in the wild consists of fish, crayfish, insects, turtles, and frogs. In captivity, they consume a commercial turtle diet and fish.
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