The common snapping turtle (Chelydra serpentina) is a species of large freshwater turtle in the family Chelydridae. Its natural range extends from southeastern Canada, southwest to the edge of the Rocky Mountains, as far east as Nova Scotia and Florida.

The Common snapping turtle (Chelydra serpentina) is a species of large freshwater turtle. It is noted for its combative disposition when out of the water with its powerful beak-like jaws, and highly mobile head and neck (hence the specific epithet serpentina , meaning " snake -like").

Jul 16, 2021 · Snapping Turtle Size and Appearance. Snapping turtles are among the most prehistoric-looking reptiles in existence. Like dinosaurs, they’re huge and covered in tough, armor-like skin and scales. You may wonder: Just how huge? Chelydra spp.: Carapace (top shell): 9.8 – 20 in. (24.9 – 50.8 cm) Weight: 9.9 – 35.3 lbs. (4.5 – 16 kg)

Identification: Chelydra serpentina is a robust turtle with a carapace (upper shell) length of 203-494 mm (8-over 19 in) (Ernst et al., 1994; Conant and Collins, 1998). The maximum weight, measured for an individual in captivity, is 39 kg (86 lbs) (Conant and Collins, 1998).

Description: The common snapping turtle is a large turtle, ranging in size from 8 to 14 in (20-36 cm) with a record length of 19.3 in (49 cm). Their average weights range from 10 to 35 lbs (4.5 – 16 kg), with a record of 75 lbs (34 kg).

The largest Snapping Turtle reported in Virginia was caught at Ft. Pickett in August 2008 by a commercial Snapping turtle fisherman. The turtle weighed in at 51 lbs. (23.13 kg) with a straight-line carapace length of 18 1/3 in. (46.5 cm).

Chelydra serpentina, commonly known as the common snapping turtle, is a large freshwater turtle native to North America. This species is known for its powerful jaws and aggressive behavior when out of the water, although it prefers to avoid confrontation in its natural habitat.

Size: An adult common snapping turtle can be as much as 25 – 47 centimeters (9.8 -19 inches) in carapace length. Weight: These turtles can weigh up to 10 – 35 pounds on reaching adulthood. Carapace (Upper shell): These turtles have a dark and ridged carapace.

Nov 15, 2019 · Common snapping turtles range from south-central and southeastern Canada to the U.S. Gulf Coast, and from the central Great Plains in the west to the Atlantic Seaboard, inhabiting a wide variety of freshwaters across that large range and even occupying brackish (partly salty) coastal wetlands.

Common snapping turtles are large freshwater turtles belonging to the Chelydridae family, occurring in North America. They are nocturnal and are known to be very aggressive when caught. There are no recognized subspecies of this turtle. Published on October 25th 2016 by staff under . Article was last reviewed on 12th June 2019.