CATDOLL : CATDOLL: What is the difference between male and female alligator snapping turtles?

What is the difference between male and female alligator turtles?

Hello! Alligator snapping turtles are divided into large alligator snapping turtles and small alligator snapping turtles in terms of species. Large alligator snapping turtles are also known as convex-backed alligator snapping turtles, small alligator snapping turtles are also known as flat-backed alligator snapping turtles, and small alligator snapping turtles are divided into 4 subspecies. The main difference between large alligator snapping turtles and small alligator snapping turtles is the protrusion of their back scutes. With the increase of age, large alligator snapping turtles are always prominent, while small alligator snapping turtles are obvious in the juvenile and young stages, but not so prominent in the adult stage. Difference between males and females: The carapace of female large alligator snapping turtles is square, the base of the tail is thinner, and the genital pore is closer to the rear edge of the carapace. The carapace of males is rectangular, the base of the tail is thick and long, and the genital pore is far from the rear edge of the carapace; in addition to the above characteristics, the genital pore of small alligator snapping turtles is located within the first hard spine of the tail or flush with the first hard spine of the tail for females, and the genital pore is located outside the first hard spine of the tail for males. The above information is for reference only!

How to tell whether the alligator snapping turtle is a big one or a small one?

The size of the body and possibly the tail