Common snapping turtle

Chelydra serpentina

Habitat:

This snapping turtle was hiding under the boat dock at Silver Springs state Park in Silver Springs, Florida. It would not come out from under the dock and was lucky to just get a head shot.

1 Species ID Suggestions

AshleyT 9 years ago

Common Snapping Turtle

Chelydra serpentina Chelydra.org - Difference between Common and Alligator Snapping Turtle

4 Comments

mary.gallo.m 9 years ago

Thanks venusflytrap2000 for nice comment. Appreciate it

CalebSteindel 9 years ago

wow, spectacular series, mary!

mary.gallo.m 9 years ago

I have changed this spotting from alligator snapping turtle to common snapping turtle. Thank you AshleyT.

AshleyT 9 years ago

Check out the link I provided in my ID suggestion, it covers the differences well between the two species. What is most easily noticed in your photos are the eyes. An alligator snapping turtle would have fleshy "eyelashes" immediately around the eye, your turtle lacks this. It's a common snapping turtle :)