- Name
- Pan Hinged Terrapin [Pelusios subniger]
- Class
- Reptilia
- Order
- Testudines
- Family
- Pelomedusidae
- Subspecies
- Two races are recognized, [P.s. subniger] is replaced on Indian Ocean Islands by [P.s. parietalis]
- Length_F
- 130 - 180 mm; max. 200 mm
- Length_M
- 130 - 180 mm
Description
A small hinged terrapin with a rounded, smooth shell and a small plastral hinge; no axillary. The head is large, with a blunt snout and smooth beak; there are usually 2 tentacles under the chin. The carapace is uniform brown, and brown-grey when dry.
Distribution
Madagascar and Eastern Africa, into Zimbabwe and Northern Botswana, reaching Upper Limpopo River, Southern Mozambique and the Kruger National Park. An isolated race occurs on the Seychelles and possibly Mauritius.
Breeding
The females probably nest throughout summer; in captivity, up to eight eggs are laid in February - March. Incubation takes 104 - 107 days and hatchlings measuring 30 mm. TL are found in March - April.
Diet
The diet of the Pan Hinged Terrapin is made up of small fogs and invertebrates, with water grass and small birds also observed in the diet.
