Condition and Coloration of Lingual Lures of Alligator Snapping Turtles

Brad M. Glorioso; John L. Carr; Carl J. Franklin; Mandi Gordon; Aaron C. Johnson; Ethan J. Kessler; Eric Munscher; Luke Pearson; Viviana Ricardez; Arron Tuggle

doi:10.1656/058.022.0sp1227

How to translate text using browser tools

14 June 2023 Condition and Coloration of Lingual Lures of Alligator Snapping Turtles

Brad M. Glorioso, John L. Carr, Carl J. Franklin, Mandi Gordon, Aaron C. Johnson, Ethan J. Kessler, Eric Munscher, Luke Pearson, Viviana Ricardez, Arron Tuggle

Author Affiliations +

Southeastern Naturalist, 22(sp12):429-439 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1656/058.022.0sp1227

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.

Citation Download Citation

Brad M. Glorioso, John L. Carr, Carl J. Franklin, Mandi Gordon, Aaron C. Johnson, Ethan J. Kessler, Eric Munscher, Luke Pearson, Viviana Ricardez, and Arron Tuggle "Condition and Coloration of Lingual Lures of Alligator Snapping Turtles," Southeastern Naturalist 22(sp12), 429-439, (14 June 2023). https://doi.org/10.1656/058.022.0sp1227

Published: 14 June 2023

KEYWORDS/PHRASES

PUBLICATION TITLE:

COLLECTION:

PUBLICATION YEARS