Mesoclemmys raniceps facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Mesoclemmys raniceps |
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| An Amazon toad-headed turtle in Bolivia | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Mesoclemmys
|
| Species: |
raniceps
|
| Synonyms | |
|
List
|
|
Mesoclemmys raniceps, also known as the Amazon toad-headed turtle or frog-headed turtle, is a species of turtle that lives in South America. Unlike many turtles that pull their heads straight back into their shells, this turtle bends its neck to the side to hide its head. This is why it's called a side-necked turtle. It is found in the freshwater rivers and streams of the Amazon basin and Orinoco basin.
Contents
What Does It Look Like?
The Amazon toad-headed turtle has a fairly flat, oval-shaped shell (called a carapace) that is usually dark brown or black. Its head is large and wide, which is why it gets the name "toad-headed" or "frog-headed."
The most unique feature of this turtle is a black stripe on each side of its head. This stripe starts at its snout, runs through its eyes, and ends near its eardrums (called the tympani). This stripe helps to easily identify the species.
Telling Males and Females Apart
It's possible to tell male and female Mesoclemmys raniceps apart.
- Size: Female turtles are usually larger than males.
- Scales: Males have noticeable white scales on the outside of their lower back legs (the tibia).
- Tail: Males also tend to have a longer and thicker tail than females.
Habitat and Diet
Where Does This Turtle Live?
This turtle is native to the northern part of South America. It lives in the huge network of rivers and streams in the Amazon basin and the Orinoco basin. This means it can be found in countries like Brazil, Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Venezuela.
It prefers slow-moving freshwater habitats like creeks, swamps, and ponds. These places provide plenty of food and shelter from predators.
What Does It Eat?
The Amazon toad-headed turtle is a carnivore, which means it eats other animals. Its diet includes a variety of small creatures it can find in the water. Some of its favorite foods are:
- Insects
- Snails
- Amphibians (like small frogs)
- Small fish
Life Cycle and Reproduction
Scientists are still learning about the life of the Amazon toad-headed turtle. What we do know is that females can lay eggs several times throughout the year, which is different from many turtles that only lay eggs once a year.
A female will dig a nest on land, usually near the water, and lay a clutch of 4 to 8 eggs. After laying the eggs, she covers the nest and returns to the water, leaving the eggs to hatch on their own.
See also
In Spanish: Mesoclemmys raniceps para niños
