difference between a snapping turtle and an alligator snapper?

Answer 1

Other than the differences already listed.........

common snapping turtles can JUMP, be careful.

common snappers are active predators, searching out prey and ambushing it, while alligator snappers prefer to wait with their mouth open and the "worm" on their tongue doing all the work.

As adults, common snappers have a 'smoother' shell than alligator snappers. (i'm sure there's pics on those websites that you can compare and contrast)

The shape of the 'beak' is different, the only way I can describe really is that a common's lower jaw is somewhat straight across, while alligator snapper has a much more dangerous looking mouth.

And yes, they're both called snapping turtles, but if you look at the scientific name, they're not that closely related, there are various subspecies of snapping turtles (chelidra) that can interbreed, eastern, common, florida, etc., but none of them can crossbreed with macroclemys.


Edited to add.......

Here in Florida you have to have a permit to own alligator snapping turtles, so please check the legality of owning one in the state you live in.

Trivia Tidbit:
Campbell's soup used to use alligator snapping turtles for their Turtle Soup (discontinued in 1970 I believe, I'd have to ask my father....)

Answer 2

Size and habitat are the main differences. The common snapping turtle (adult) will weight between 10 & 35 pounds (typically), the alligator snapper will tip the scales at 35 to 150 pounds. Common snappers are found just about anywhere that aquatic turtles can survive. Alligator snappers are mostly found in deep water areas, mostly in the Mississippi valley. You can see a snapper's eyes from above, you can't see an alligator snapper's eyes from above. There's more at these links...
http://mdc.mo.gov/kids/out-in/2006/02/2.htm
http://el.erdc.usace.army.mil/emrrp/turtles/species/gatorsnap.html

Answer 3

Oh, for Pete's sake! If you have only one it might be difficult to tell the two apart unless you look at the side of the upper shell (carapace). There are three rows of large scutes on the carapace and smaller ones (marginals) on the edge. Around where the lower shell joins the upper, there may be three extra scutes between the marginals and the large scutes. If so, you have an alligator snapper. If not, a common snapper. Range may be of help too.

Answer 4

Alligator snappers can get very big. They are usually more pointy on their shell. They are also pretty aggresive.

Regular snappers don't get as big and can be SOMETIMES kept as pets.

Answer 5

Here is a good site about both kinds of snappers: http://www.chelydra.org (or is it http://www.chelydra.com ?)

Answer 6

an alligator snapping turtle is a type of snapping turtle.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alligator_snapping_turtle

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Snapping_turtle