alligator snapping turtle

A large freshwater snapping turtle (Macroclemys temminckii) of the south-central United States, having a rough carapace and powerful hooked jaws. Also called alligator snapper.

American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright © 2016 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

snap′ping tur`tle

either of two large freshwater American turtles of the family Chelydridae, having a massive nonretracting head and powerful jaws: Chelydra serpentina, of warm muddy shallows, and the larger Macroclemys temmincki (alligator snapping turtle), of rivers and lakes.

ThesaurusAntonymsRelated WordsSynonymsLegend:

Noun

alligator snapping turtle - large species having three ridges on its back; found in southeastern United States

alligator snapper, Macroclemys temmincki

snapping turtle - large aggressive freshwater turtle with powerful jaws

genus Macroclemys, Macroclemys - includes the alligator snapping turtle

Translations

tortue-alligator

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References in periodicals archive

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Steve Bellion couldn't believe his eyes when he snared the two foot long alligator snapping turtle in May, 2013.

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In this study we examine habitat partitioning in two species of turtles in Missouri: the alligator snapping turtle (Macrochelys temminckii), and the eastern snapping turtle (Chelydra serpentina).

Habitat use by the alligator snapping turtle (Macrochelys temminckii) and eastern snapping turtle (Chelydra serpentina) in Southeastern Missouri

However, he was soon back in his stride and despite his s appearance on crutches, as he recovers from a rock climbing accident, the star of CBBC's Deadly 60 rambled on his way about the beauty and grandeur of animals like the alligator snapping turtle.

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The alligator snapping turtle was listed as a state endangered species in Illinois during 1994.

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The 25kg alligator snapping turtle, which is around two feet long, was snared by Steve Bellion, 23, at Earlswood Lakes.

Angler's shock as he catches giant turtle

Other animals include piranhas, red-tail boas, a large alligator snapping turtle, and tropical fish that use mangrove tree roots as nurseries.

Spotlight on swamps

Rare butterflies, otters, an alligator snapping turtle were among the less common of the 42,500 sightings recorded - even a porpoise was spotted by a passing boater earlier this year along the River Ouse near Selby.

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The common snapping turtle has some distinctive characteristics that set it apart from most other species of turtle, except its closest relative, the alligator snapping turtle. Alligator snapping turtles, however, have a much more restricted range, being found only in the Deep South and the southern Midwest of the United States.

The secret life of snapping turtles: fascinating and ferocious reptile needs our protection