AnimaliaHighest rank in taxonomy. Groups all life into domains: Animalia, Plantae, Fungi, etc.IUCN LCInternational Union for Conservation of Nature — the world authority on species extinction risk, using standardized criteria. — Least Concern — widespread and abundant; not at immediate risk of extinction.In ProgressCurrent stage of this record in the editorial review workflow. Recent Sighting
Chelydra serpentina
Snapping Turtle
Linnaeus, 1758
Detailed Texts Multi-lang
A large freshwater turtle with a rugged, dark carapace, a long, saw-toothed tail, and a powerful, hooked beak capable of delivering a painful bite.
Added by
Anonymous Curator
Reviewed by
Under Review
Last modified by
Julia Trouin
TaxonomyBiological classification ranks placing this species within the tree of life, from Kingdom down to Genus.
PhylumRank below Kingdom. Groups organisms sharing a fundamental body plan (e.g., Chordata = vertebrates and some invertebrates).Chordata
ClassRank below Phylum. Subdivides by structural traits (e.g., Mammalia, Aves, Reptilia, Insecta).Reptilia
OrderRank below Class. Groups related families sharing common ancestry (e.g., Carnivora, Primates).Testudines
FamilyRank below Order. Groups closely related genera (e.g., Felidae = cats, Canidae = dogs).Chelydridae
GenusRank just above Species. The first word in the two-part binomial scientific name.Chelydra
Taxonomic AuthorityThe scientist who first formally described and published this species, followed by the year of publication.Linnaeus, 1758
Record Completeness
96%Coming soon
Ecology & StatusHow this species lives: habitat preferences, diet, behavior, population status, and role in its ecosystem.
OriginWhether the species is native (evolved here), endemic (found only here), or introduced by human activity.
Native
Population TrendDirection of change in population size over time: increasing, stable, decreasing, or unknown.
Stable
Breeding SeasonTime of year when this species typically reproduces or flowers.
Spring
Trophic RolePosition in the food chain: producer, herbivore, carnivore, omnivore, decomposer, or parasite.
Omnivore
Recent SightingsWhether this species has been observed in the wild in Costa Rica within recent years.
Yes
Habitat SummaryOverview of the specific ecosystems and environments where this species is found in Costa Rica. Multi-lang
Prefers shallow, slow-moving water bodies with muddy bottoms, such as ponds, lakes, and marshes.BehaviourDaily activity patterns, movement, territory use, foraging style, and seasonal behavioral changes. Multi-lang
Largely aquatic, spending most of their time in water. Often ambush predators.Social ActivitySocial structure: whether the species is solitary, paired, or colonial; hierarchy and communication. Multi-lang
Solitary, except during mating season.Feeding GuildWhat the species eats, how it forages or hunts, and its role as a consumer in the food web. Multi-lang
Ambush predator and scavenger.Trophic Chain DetailsSpecific interactions in local food webs: prey species, predators, competitors, and scavengers. Multi-lang
Omnivore: eats fish, frogs, insects, carrion, and aquatic vegetation.Reproductive BehaviourMating strategies, courtship displays, nesting or spawning behavior, and parental care. Multi-lang
Females travel significant distances to find suitable sandy nesting sites.Physical Measures
Length (cm)
20.0 - 45.0 cm
Weight (Grams)
4.50 kg - 16.00 kg
Offspring per cycleTypical number of young (live births, eggs, or seeds) produced by one adult in a single reproductive event or breeding season.20 - 50
Sexual DimorphismObservable physical differences between males and females of the same species (e.g., size, coloration, features).Yes
Lifespan
Sexual MaturityAge at which the individual becomes capable of reproducing for the first time.
8 - 15 Years
Gestation / IncubationDuration from fertilization to birth (mammals) or to hatching (egg-laying species).
70 - 90
Lifespan EstimatedExpected duration of life from birth to natural death under wild conditions.
Males30 - 50 Years
Females30 - 50 Years
Sexual DimorphismPhysical differences in size, coloration, or morphology between males and females of this species.
Males Multi-lang
Males generally have longer tails and the cloacal opening is further from the plastron.
Females Multi-lang
Females have shorter tails and are generally smaller in total length compared to very large males.
Evolutionary AdaptationsInherited traits and behaviors that improve the species' survival and reproduction in its specific environment. Multi-lang
Powerful bite for defense and hunting, and a long tail that aids in balance and navigation in water.
Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang
Pollution, habitat degradation, road mortality, and historically, over-harvesting for food.
Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang
Snapping turtles are known for being extremely aggressive on land, but they are generally shy and will dive away when submerged in water.