Alligator Snapping Turtle Skull Replica
$197.00
Research suggests that M.temminckii thermoregulates by altering its depth in the water column, because this species is rarely seen basking.
- Description
- Additional information
Description
Alligator Snapping Turtle Skull Replica
This museum-quality alligator snapping turtle skull replica measures 10.5 inches. It is a 1:1 scale, 2-part skull (separate cranium and jaw) cast in durable polyurethane resin from a California Academy of Sciences specimen. Every replica is proudly made in the USA.
Unique Physical Characteristics
In addition to its rugged shell, the alligator snapping turtle possesses a spiked tail similar to a Stegosaurus. These turtles typically display solid gray, brown, black, or olive-green coloration, often masked by natural algae growth.
Ambush Predation & Mimicry:
Regarding its hunting strategy, the alligator snapping turtle possesses a unique vermiform (worm-like) appendage on its tongue. This serves as a specialized predatory lure to attract unsuspecting prey.
Prey Localization and Site Selection
The alligator snapping turtle optimizes its “sit-and-wait” strategy by using chemosensory reception to choose locations with high prey density. For example, once it detects cues from prey like mud turtles, the turtle remains submerged and motionless. Consequently, it can rely entirely on its lingual lure to capture food.
Dietary Range & Ecosystem Role
The diet of the alligator snapping turtle is exceptionally broad. Their food sources include:
- Fish and mollusks
- Carrion and crustaceans
- Snakes and aquatic water plants
- Water birds, small mammals, and smaller turtles
As apex predators, these turtles help regulate various aquatic populations. Additionally, they serve as vital scavengers within their ecosystem.
Scientific classification:
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Reptilia
- Order: Testudines
- Suborder: Cryptodira
- Family: Chelydridae
- Genus: Macrochelys
- Species: M. temminckii
- Binomial name: Macrochelys temminckii Troost,1835
- Conservatoin status: Endangered (IUCN 3.1)
Related reptiles:
If you enjoy this specimen, you may also like the Matamata turtle, Galapagos tortoise, or the Aldabra giant tortoise. Shop for more museum-quality replicas in our reptile store.
Additional information
| Weight | 6.0 lbs |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 10.5 in |
| World Turtle Day - May 23rd | World Turtle Day is an annual observance held every May 23rd. It began in 2000 and is sponsored by American Tortoise Rescue. The day was created as a yearly observance to help people celebrate and protect turtles and tortoises and their disappearing habitats, as well as to encourage human action to help them survive and thrive. |
