Chelidae – South American side-neck turtles
We fold our necks sideways, rather than pulling them straight back
As far as turtles go, side-neck turtles are on the larger side and have a long lifespan. South America, sub-Saharan Africa, Indonesia, Australia, and New Guinea are all home to side-necked turtles.
Because of their extraordinarily long and narrow necks, several side-necked turtles are also called snake-necked turtles.
Their skin can be olive to brown with black markings on the top of their heads, and their shell is frequently a dark brown. They feature huge, round eyes and a mouth that appears to be permanently grinning. These turtles are frequently spotted in freshwater rivers and lakes with standing water all year.
Genera in this family
You might mistake these turtles for snakes!
Second species in this genus only described in 2020
