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lejun | all galleries >> Reptiles, Amphibians, Crustaceans, Mollusks, Arthropods, Hydrozoans and Related Animals >> Reptile Representatives >> Turtle Types >> Alligator Snapping Turtle (Macrochelys temminckii) > Alligator Snapping Turtle "Lure"
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30-OCT-2014 Lejun

Alligator Snapping Turtle "Lure"

Copyright © Lewis Scharpf

Macrochelys temminckii
Note the presence of the pinkish appendage near the front of the lower mandible on the tip of its tongue.
The inside of the turtle's mouth is camouflaged and it possesses a vermiform ("worm-shaped"
appendage) which is used to lure fish. The turtle hunts by lying motionless in the
water with its mouth wide open. The appendage on the tip of the tongue imitates the movements of
a worm, luring prey to the turtle's mouth. The mouth is then closed with tremendous speed and force,
completing the ambush.

Nikon D800 ,AF-S VR II NIKKOR 300mm f/2.8G IF-ED
1/250s f/16.0 at 500.0mm iso320 with Nikon AF-S Teleconverter TC-17EII 1.7X hide exif
Full EXIF Info
Date/Time30-Oct-2014 09:48:41
MakeNikon
ModelNIKON D800
Flash UsedNo
Focal Length500 mm
Exposure Time1/250 sec
Aperturef/16
ISO Equivalent320
Exposure Bias-1 1/3
White Balance
Metering Mode
JPEG Quality
Exposure Program
Focus Distance

other sizes: small medium large original auto
comment
Ann Pettigrew03-Nov-2014 04:04
Awesome close-up, Lew! I have never seen tis in person. Way to go!