Kingdom Animalia Order Testudines Family Chelidae Scientific name Emydura Rank Genus | Phylum Chordata Suborder Pleurodira Subfamily Chelodininae Higher classification Chelidae | |
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Lower classifications Red‑bellied short‑necked turtle, Murray River turtle, Brisbane Short‑necked Turtle | ||
Red bellied short necked turtle emydura subglobosa
The Australian short-necked turtles, Emydura, are a genus of turtles in the family Chelidae. It was paraphyletic with Elseya. Consequently, it was split into two genera Myuchelys and Elseya by Thomson & Georges, 2009. They can grow quite large, 30 cm or more is not unusual and have a life span of around 20–30 years. They generally do not hibernate as their warmer climate lets them remain active all year round; they also spend more time in the water than other varieties. They are considered omnivore but rely on a constant supply of meat to remain healthy, feeding on basically anything that will fit into their mouth. They are characterised by a white strip starting at their nose and leading down their neck, as well as a more rigged shell. In Australia, the public require a basic reptiles licence to purchase these animals; taking from the wild is strictly prohibited. Species and notable subspecies arranged according to most recent review of Georges & Thomson, 2010 are:
Contents
- Red bellied short necked turtle emydura subglobosa
- Murray river short neck turtle macqurie short neck turtle emydura macquarii feeding
- References
Murray river short neck turtle macqurie short neck turtle emydura macquarii feeding
