Studies on the Feeding Behavior, Diet, Nesting Habits and Temperature Relationships of Chelydra serpentina osceola (Chelonia: Chelydridae)

Punzo, Fred

doi:10.2307/1563038

Cited by 36 publications

(22 citation statements)

References 13 publications

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“…Compared with fish predators, adult Snapping Turtles are only marginally gape-limited. Small prey are captured through a high-speed ram feeding mechanism (Lauder and Prendergast 1992) and may be swallowed intact (Punzo 1975;Ernst and Lovich 2009; P. Moldowan, personal observation); however, oversized prey items are held securely in the jaws and shredded with the foreclaws (Punzo 1975;Igl and Peterson 2010;Bobbie et al 2015;P. Moldowan, personal observation).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The Snapping Turtle (Chelydra serpentina) is omnivorous, consuming a variety of aquatic vegetation and prey ranging from aquatic insects and molluscs to fish, anurans, and, occasionally, waterfowl (Alexander 1943;Carr 1952;Hammer 1969;Punzo 1975;Ernst and Lovich 2009 As both may occur in high densities (Iverson 1982;Congdon et al 1986;Galbraith et al 1988;Coad et al 1995;Iverson et al 2000;Kaemingk et al 2012), it is likely that the two species interact regularly.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Anti-predator defenses of Brown Bullheads (Ameiurus nebulosus) and interactions with Snapping Turtles (Chelydra serpentina)

et al. 2015

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. 2015. Anti-predator defenses of Brown Bullheads (Ameiurus nebulosus) and interactions with Snapping Turtles (Chelydra serpentina). Canadian Field-Naturalist 129(2): 189-193.Ictalurid catfishes have sharp spines on their dorsal and pectoral fins that can be hazardous to predators. The pectoral spines may lock in an abducted position, effectively increasing body size and preventing ingestion by gape-limited predators. Further, sharp spines may injure predators or increase prey handling time, affording catfish opportunities for escape. As part of a longterm mark-recapture study of turtle ecology in Algonquin Provincial Park, Ontario, Canada, we documented the presence of Brown Bullheads, Ameiurus nebulosus, in the diet of Snapping Turtles, Chelydra serpentina. Here, we report on injuries inflicted by the pectoral spines of bullheads on Snapping Turtles during predator-prey interactions and provide a brief literature review of the functional significance and potential dangers of catfish pectoral spines to predators.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Anti-predator defenses of Brown Bullheads (Ameiurus nebulosus) and interactions with Snapping Turtles (Chelydra serpentina)

et al. 2015

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“…There may be intense competition for basking sites (Cadi and Joly 2003;Ernst and Lovich 2009;Lindeman 1999) which would necessitate increased rates of movement. Chelydra serpentina, on the other hand, does not exhibit a propensity for aerial basking and it is considered an ambush predator (Feuer 1971;Punzo 1975), often preferring areas of cover likely associated with their feeding habits (Froese 1974). These differences in behavior most likely account for the smaller range and scope of movements of C. serpentina relative to T. scripta and G. geographica in the Central Canal.…”

Section: Habitat Usementioning

confidence: 99%

“…While C. serpentina does not use logs for basking, they are known to use these locations to hide and bury themselves under the softer substrate created by logs (Ernst and Lovich 2009). In addition, C. serpentina has been found to prefer areas with adequate vegetative cover (Obbard and Brooks 1981) which would provide sites from which prey could be ambushed (Feuer 1971;Punzo 1975).…”

Section: Habitat Associationsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Movement and habitat use of the snapping turtle in an urban landscape

et al. 2013

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In order to effectively manage urban habitats, it is important to incorporate the spatial ecology and habitat use of the species utilizing them. Our previous studies have shown that the distribution of upland habitats surrounding a highly urbanized wetland habitat, the Central Canal (Indianapolis, IN, USA) influences the distribution of map turtles (Graptemys geographica) and red-eared sliders (Trachemys scripta) during both the active season and hibernation. In this study we detail the movements and habitat use of another prominent member of the Central Canal turtle assemblage, the common snapping turtle, Chelydra serpentina. We find the same major upland habitat associations for C. serpentina as for G. geographica and T. scripta, despite major differences in their activity (e.g., C. serpentina do not regularly engage in aerial basking). These results reinforce the importance of recognizing the connection between aquatic and surrounding terrestrial habitats, especially in urban ecosystems.

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“…Habitat utilization: Carr 1952;Ernst and Barbour 1972;Collins 1974;Baxter and Stone 1980;Obbard and Brooks 1980;Schuett and Gatten 1980;Hammerson and Langlois 1981;Brooks 1981. Feeding: Pell 1940;Lagler 1943;Darrow 1963;Wheeler and Wheeler 1966;Hammer 1969;Hudson 1972;Punzo 1975;Baxter andStone 1980. Breeding: Carr 1952;Hammer 1969Hammer , 1971aHammer 1971bBlack 1970b;Yntema 1970Yntema , 1978Punzo 1975;Christiansen and Burken 1979.…”

Section: Rana Sylvatica Wood Frogmentioning

confidence: 99%