Elseya eidolon (Malaita snapping turtle)
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Elseya eidolon is a freshwater turtle species native to Australia, notable for its distinct dark coloration and powerful jaws. It belongs to the family Chelidae, known for its side-necked turtles, which retract their head sideways into their shell rather than pulling it directly backward.
Native To These Regions
Malaita (Solomon Islands)Native Turtle Species Map – Find Turtles by Region
Scientific Classification
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Reptilia
- Order: Testudines
- Family: Chelidae
- Genus: Elseya
- Species: Elseya eidolon
Common Names
- Malaita snapping turtle
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Identification
- Description: Elseya eidolon is a medium to large turtle species characterized by a dark, almost black shell with a smooth texture. The plastron (underside of the shell) is lighter in color, often yellowish or cream. It has strong jaws designed for crushing its prey and a moderately large head.
- Sexual Dimorphism: Males are typically smaller than females and have a longer, thicker tail, while females have a broader carapace for carrying eggs.
Check more turtles from the Elseya genus
Native Origin and Distribution
- Geographical Range: This species is endemic to the rivers and wetlands of Queensland, Australia, particularly found in the Gulf of Carpentaria region.
Preferred Habitat
Elseya eidolon prefers slow-moving freshwater habitats like rivers, creeks, and lagoons with abundant aquatic vegetation. It often inhabits areas with sandy or muddy bottoms and relies on submerged logs or rocks for basking.
Behavior
- Feeding Habits: This turtle is primarily herbivorous, feeding on aquatic plants and algae, but it also consumes small invertebrates such as snails and crustaceans.
- Predators: Its natural predators include large birds of prey, crocodiles, and invasive species such as foxes, which may prey on eggs and hatchlings.
Reproduction
- Breeding Season: The breeding season for Elseya eidolon typically occurs during the wet season, between November and January.
- Reproductive Method: Females lay clutches of eggs in sandy riverbanks. After an incubation period of several months, the hatchlings emerge and make their way to the water.
Conservation
- Status: Elseya eidolon is currently classified as a species of Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.
- Threats: Key threats include habitat destruction due to agriculture, pollution, and predation by introduced species.
- Conservation Measures: Protection of its habitat and efforts to control invasive predators have been implemented to ensure the survival of this species.
Economic Importance
Elseya eidolon does not have significant economic importance but plays a crucial role in maintaining aquatic ecosystems by contributing to vegetation control and serving as a food source for predators.
Interesting Facts
- The name ‘eidolon’ translates to ‘phantom,’ referencing the elusive nature of this turtle, which is rarely seen in the wild.
- Unlike many other turtles, Elseya eidolon can tolerate slightly brackish water, which is unusual for freshwater turtles.
About Author
Muntaseer Rahman started keeping pet turtles back in 2013. He also owns the largest Turtle & Tortoise Facebook community in Bangladesh. These days he is mostly active on Facebook.
