Common Snake-necked Turtle

About the Common Snake-necked Turtle

The eastern long-necked turtle (Chelodina longicollis), also known commonly as the common long-necked turtle and the common snake-necked turtle, is an eastern Australian species of freshwater snake-necked turtle in the family Chelidae. The species inhabits a wide variety of water bodies and is an opportunistic feeder. It is a side-necked turtle (Pleurodira), meaning that it bends its head sideways into its shell rather than pulling it directly back.

Chelodina longicollis is found throughout southeastern Australia, where it is found west of Adelaide (South Australia) eastwards throughout Victoria, the Northern Territory, and New South Wales, and northwards to the Fitzroy River of Queensland. Where Chelodina longicollis comes in contact with Chelodina canni the two species freely hybridise, exhibiting hybrid vigour in the Styx River Drainage of Queensland. C. longicollis has been introduced to Tasmania, likely via the pet trade.

Chelodina longicollis has also been introduced to the Perth and Albany metropolitan areas of southwestern Australia, where it is known to hybridise with the local oblong turtle (Chelodina oblonga). This is again likely due to long... Wikipedia →