The Nile Soft-Shelled Turtle (Trionyx triunguis) is an African freshwater turtle without scales.
Triunguis means three-toed. Most turtles have four toes.
Their shell is flat, not domed. It has a long tubular nose.
Continue reading “CREATURE FEATURE: Nile Soft-Shelled Turtle”
Tortoises and turtles are called Chelonia.
In the order Testudines (tortoise-like or turtle-like), there are two suborders: Cryptodira (hidden neck) and Pleurodira (side neck).
Cryptodira means that the chelonians pull their neck right into their shell—most chelonians are in this category. Their necks go in and out.
Pleurodira means that the chelonians tuck their neck sideways under their shell.
What is the difference between flat-shelled or dome-shelled tortoises and turtles?
The tortoise has a domed shell. The tortoise lives on land. The domed shell is heavy and acts like a shield or armour to protect them from predators.
The turtle has a flat shell. The turtle lives in water. Flat shells are lighter and better for swimming in water.
The terrapin has a flat shell. The terrapin lives partly on land and partly in the water.
Continue reading “Tortoises and Turtles: Flat shell or domed shell?”
If something is turned upside down, it is said to have turned turtle
Tortoises and turtles – which one has legs and which one has flippers?
The tortoise has short, thick legs with claws for walking on land.
The sea turtle has flippers for swimming in the sea.
The terrapin has webbed feet with claws for walking on land and swimming in water.