Condition and Coloration of Lingual Lures of Alligator Snapping Turtles

Authors

• Brad M. Glorioso, United States Geological Survey
• John L. Carr, The University of Louisiana Monroe
• Carl J. Franklin, Texas Turtles
• Mandi Gordon, University of Houston-Clear Lake
• Aaron C. Johnson, The University of Louisiana Monroe
• Ethan J. Kessler, Illinois Natural History Survey
• Eric Munscher, Turtle Survival Alliance
• Luke Pearson, University of Southern MississippiFollow
• Viviana Ricardez, Texas Turtles
• Arron Tuggle

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

6-14-2023

School

Biological, Environmental, and Earth Sciences

Abstract

The lingual lures of Macrochelys (alligator snapping turtles) are believed to be the only prey-capturing lures within the mouths of modern reptiles. To date, no formal assessment of lure condition in Macrochelys has been published, and few researchers record lure data. Herein, we report damaged or missing lures from 25 Macrochelys temminckii (Alligator Snapping Turtle; 7 adults, 18 juveniles) from a sample of more than 2000 lure assessments in 4 states, indicating this is a rare occurrence. We also describe lingual lure color observed in these assessments and introduce standardized terminology and color categories. We suggest researchers record data on the condition and coloration of the lingual lure to further our understanding of this ecological and evolutionary adaptation.

Publication Title

Southeastern Naturalist

Volume

22

Issue

SP12

First Page

429

Last Page

439

Recommended Citation

Glorioso, B., Carr, J., Franklin, C., Gordon, M., Johnson, A., Kessler, E., Munscher, E., Pearson, L., Ricardez, V., Tuggle, A. (2023). Condition and Coloration of Lingual Lures of Alligator Snapping Turtles. Southeastern Naturalist, 22(SP12), 429-439.
Available at: https://aquila.usm.edu/fac_pubs/22303