Twist-necked Turtle - Diagnosis

Diagnosis

The twist-necked turtle now represents the only species of Platemys and can be distinguished from close relatives (Acanthochelys) by its doubly flat body plan, both a flattened shell and a flattened head. Also, this turtle displays an unusual dual grooved pattern on the carapace. Platemys platycephala inhabits a wide range compared to other Acanthochelys turtles, see distribution. Two subspecies, Platemys platycephala platycephala and Platemys platycephala melanonota exist based on color pattern, see subspecies distribution. Camouflage is highly useful for the twist-necked turtle because it inhabits shallow pools and creek beds. The orange and brown head pattern make it difficult to spot from above because of similarly colored leaf litter among small pools and creek beds. Other distinctions include a hook at the base of the foot for copulation in males and a specialized opening at the base of the plastron for oviposition (egg deposit).