Platemys platycephala (Twist-Necked Turtle)

Platemys platycephala, also called the twist-necked turtle, is a small and secretive species found in parts of South America. Its flat, leaf-like body and ability to twist its neck sideways make it one of the more unique freshwater turtles in the world.

Scientific Classification

Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Testudines
Family: Chelidae
Genus: Platemys
Species: platycephala

Common Names

Twist-Necked Turtle
Flat-Headed Turtle

Identification

Description
This turtle has a very flat, dark brown to black shell that often resembles a dry leaf. Its head is wide and flat, and its neck is long and flexible, able to twist to the side to fit under its shell. The plastron is tan with dark blotches. It rarely grows larger than 6 inches (15 cm).

Sexual Dimorphism
Males tend to have longer and thicker tails than females. Males may also be slightly smaller in body size.

Native Origin and Distribution

Geographical Range
It is native to northern South America. Found in countries like Brazil, Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Peru, and the Guianas. Most commonly seen in the Amazon and Orinoco river basins.

Preferred Habitat

It prefers shallow, slow-moving streams, swampy areas, flooded forests, and leaf litter-covered wetlands. Often stays hidden under leaves or submerged in water with low visibility.

Behavior

Feeding Habits
This turtle is carnivorous. It eats insects, worms, small crustaceans, and sometimes small fish. It mostly hunts at night or in low light.

Predators
Likely predators include birds, larger reptiles, and mammals that hunt near water. Its leaf-like shell helps it avoid being spotted.

Reproduction

Breeding Season
Breeding likely occurs during or just after the rainy season, but exact timing can vary by region.

Reproductive Method
It lays a small number of eggs—often just one per clutch—in damp soil or leaf litter. The hatchlings are tiny and already have the flat, camouflaged shape.

Conservation

Extinction Status
Listed as Least Concern by the IUCN, but not much is known about population trends.

Threats
Loss of wetland habitat, pollution, and possible collection for the pet trade are concerns.

Conservation Measures
Some of its range overlaps with protected areas. International trade is regulated under CITES Appendix II.

Economic Importance

Very little economic importance. Sometimes collected for the pet trade, but not widely used for food or commercial trade due to its small size and secretive nature.

Interesting Facts

Its neck can bend sideways to hide under the edge of its shell—a feature rare among turtles.
Its shell pattern and shape mimic a dead leaf, helping it vanish in the forest floor.
It’s a member of the Chelidae family, known for side-necked turtles, which fold their necks sideways instead of pulling them straight back.