snake-necked turtle

Snake-necked Turtle

Chelodina novaeguineae

CLASS Reptilia | ORDER Testudines | FAMILY Chelidae

RANGE New Guinea and northeastern Australia

HABITAT Small and large freshwater bodies of water and jungle rivers with ample vegetation

DIET Carnivorous, eating any aquatic animal that is small enough for them to handle

Carapace
7 - 8 in

Neck Length
Up to 6 in

Clutch
6 - 24 eggs

IUCN Status
Least Concern
snake-necked turtle

The snake-necked turtle's long neck (including head) can sometimes exceed the length of the carapace (shell). The highly flexible neck permits foraging in mud as well as snorkeling. It also allows the turtle to strike quickly to capture prey. It has webbed feet used for swimming and digging.

This species is considered a side-necked turtle. The neck and head fold sideways under the edge of the carapace instead of back in the shell.