Carapace: Alligator snapping turtles have three rows of spikes on the carapace, that has raised plates. The common snappers have a slightly ridged, but smooth carapace. The young ones of common snappers have somewhat pronounced ridges, that even out as they grow. Color: In case of common snappers, the smooth carapace can be tan, brown, olive green or black in color. They have muscular legs with strong claws, large heads, and long tails. These turtles have nodules on the legs, neck, and tail. Alligator snappers can be gray, brown, black, or olive green in color. They have fleshy filamentous eyelashes and radiating yellow pattern around the eyes. Body Weight: While an average adult common snapping turtle can weigh between 5 to 16 kilograms, there are some exceptionally large ones with a body weight of around 35 to 40 kilograms. An average adult alligator snapper can weigh up to 80 kilograms, but heavier ones are also found. Males are larger than females, and possess longer, thicker tails. Jaws and Claws: Snapping turtles have very strong beak-like jaws with sharp edges. They use the sharp-edged jaws for tearing food and for biting. With a long neck that can be extended to the back, these turtles can inflict serious bites. They are also equipped with strong claws that are used for defense. Tongue Lure: The alligator snapping turtle has a pink appendage on the tip of the tongue, to lure fish. As the turtle rests motionless, the worm-like appendage wiggles like a worm to attract fish. Lifespan: Common snappers have a lifespan of around 30 to 40 years in their natural habitat, but in captivity, they may live up to 50 years. The life expectancy of alligator snapping turtles can be between 20 to 70 years, in captivity. However, it is said that these turtles may live up to 200 years in the wild. Plastron: The shell covering that covers the belly of the turtle is called the plastron. In case of snapping turtles, the plastron is small, and does not cover the whole underside. So it becomes difficult for them to hide their head and limbs inside the shell, in case of a threat. This could be one of the reasons for their aggressive behavior. Scaly Limbs: As mentioned above, snapping turtles cannot protect themselves by pulling the head, limbs and tail inside the shell. However, they are provided with scales on the legs and tail, as a protective covering.

Distribution and Habitat While the alligator snappers are mostly found in the southern waters of the United States, the range of common ones spans from South America to Canada. Common snapping turtles are often found at higher altitudes, as compared to their counterparts and they inhabit shallow ponds, lakes, and streams.

Behavior Both the species are aquatic creatures that spend most of their life in water. They can lie at the bottom of the water body for a very long time, stretching their neck for occasional breathing. The females come out of the water for nesting, and occasionally, these turtles are found basking in the sun. It has been observed that most of these turtles can spend three to four hours continuously under water. Inside water bodies, they are mostly found to be peaceful and harmless. However, the aggressive behavior is mainly seen when they are on land. Snapping turtles are also found to produce hissing sounds, when they feel threatened.

Diet and Feeding habits While common snapping turtles are omnivores that feed on both plant and animal matter, alligator snappers are mostly carnivorous. The diet of common snappers includes plant matter, worms, insects, snails, fish, tadpoles, frogs, small mammals, birds, and dead animals. Alligator snapping turtles feed on worms, molluscs, fish, water birds, aquatic rodents, small mammals, snakes, small alligators, and even other turtles.

Reproduction Mating takes place once a year and the female lays around 10 to 50 eggs, at a time. Though they spend most of the time under water, female snapping turtles travel long distances to find a spot suitable for laying the eggs. Once they locate such a place, they dig nests, lay eggs and return to water. The creamy-white eggs take around three to four months to hatch. It is the temperature that determines the sex of the hatchlings. While a temperature range of 70 to 72 °F produces both males and females, if it drops below 68 °F, the hatchlings will be mostly females. Only males are produced, if the eggs are incubated at a temperature range of 73 to 75 °F.