#myuchelys

[herpsandbirds]

Eastern Saw-shelled Turtle (Myuchelys latisternum), family Chelidae, found in NE Australia

photograph by Brother-Nature

[rattyexplores]

I first thought these two were the same species, but they are different. It seems a few turtles gather here to feed.

Elseya (first) Myuchelys latisternum (second)

18/05/22

[libutron]

Saw-shelled Turtle - Myuchelys latisternum

The Saw-shelled Turtle, Myuchelys latisternum (Chelidae), is a river-dwelling turtle endemic to eastern and north-eastern Australia. It has a moderately long neck, shell with a serrated hind edge (except in very old specimens), neck above with conspicuous, sharp-pointed tubercles, and usually two to four small white barbels under the chin.

This species is listed in many guide books and texts as Wollumbinia latisternum, however, the genus Wollumbinia is considered by several authors as a nomen illegitum, since the article in which the description of the genus Wollumbinia was published apparently did not meet the requirements of the current International Code of Zoological Nomenclature. So, the alternate available name, adopted by some authors, is Myuchelys.

References: [1] - [2] - [3]

Photo credit: ©Stewart Macdonald | Locality: Jardine River, Queensland, Australia (2012)