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Alligator Snapping Turtle
The alligator snapping turtle (Macrochelys temminckii) is one of the largest freshwater turtles in the world. It is often associated with, but not closely related to the common snapping turtle. They are the sole living member of the genus Macrochelys--while common snappers are in the genus Chelydra.
The alligator snapping turtle is a species of turtle in the family Chelydridae. The species is native to freshwater habitats in the United States. ''M. temminckii'' is one of the heaviest freshwater turtles in the world. It is the largest freshwater species of turtle in North America. It is often associated with, but not closely related to, the common snapping turtle, which is in the genus ''Chelydra''. The specific epithet ''temminckii'' is in honor of Dutch zoologist Coenraad Jacob Temminck.
