Came across thisSnake-necked Turtle (Chelodina longicollis) on my rounds yesterday. He (or she) was quite a long way from water. They are a common fresh water turtle. Carapace length is about 10 inches (254 mm). He pulled everything in as soon as he saw me, but then stuck his head out a bit to check me out. Little black ants were soon swarming all over him. They were probably attracted by the slime. He must have concluded I wasn't a threat or maybe the ants were too annoying, because he soon got under way again.


These turtles live in still water such a waterholes in creeks and farm dams. There may be twenty or more in a small dam about 100 feet across. They come out to sun themselves on logs or at the water's edge, but dive back if they see any movement. That makes them hard to photograph. They are sometimes encountered far from water, heading off to who knows where. I suspect they go looking for new waterholes. They are most often seen out and about during or just after rain. There is rain forecast for this weekend, so maybe this one knew something.


Not recommended as a pet. They secrete a foul smelling liquid when handled. Most of us found that out when we were kids!

[clackers]

Thanks for posting, PJ1.

Had a couple as pets in a crude waterfilled, ground-level backyard container when a kid.

Completely illegal these days, of course.

[slowpez]

Interesting information and a great shot of how it got its name.