sinammonite on DeviantArthttps://www.deviantart.com/sinammonite/art/Platysternon-megacephalum-139511063sinammonite

Deviation Actions

sinammonite's avatar

Platysternon megacephalum

By
Published:
1.8K Views

Description

巨头平胸龟( Platysternon megacephalum)
Platysternon megacephalum is a species of turtle in the subfamily Platysterninae. Previously considered a distinct family placed on occasion in the now-defunct "Kinosternoidea", it was later moved to the Emydidae. With the Geoemydidae being split off from these, it seems wisest to reinstate, at least for the time being, the Platysternidae. This, as well as the subfamily and the genus Platysternon, are monotypic.

It is found in China, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam. In addition to a very large head, the big headed turtle is known to readily climb trees near rivers and fast streams. Kirkpatrick (1995) also mentions that Playsternon uses its beak to climb. He also mentions when swimming, this species often arcs its tail in the manner of a scorpion. The big headed turtle cannot pull its head in its shell. That being the case, Playsternon will not hesitate to use its powerful jaws to defend itself. It is a fish and snail eater. It is readily consumed in Asia and is frequently a market item. (World Chelonian Trust). As such, it is rapidly disappearing in the wild.
Image size
800x540px 387.95 KB
© 2009 - 2024 sinammonite
Comments0
Join the community to add your comment. Already a deviant? Log In