Diet and feeding behaviour of Snapping Turtles (Chelydra serpentina) and Midland Painted Turtles (Chrysemys picta marginata) in Algonquin Provincial Park, Ontario

Authors

  • Patrick D. Moldowan Department of Biology, Laurentian University, 935 Ramsey Lake Road, Sudbury, Ontario P3E 2C6
  • Matthew G. Keevil Department of Biology, Laurentian University, 935 Ramsey Lake Road, Sudbury, Ontario P3E 2C6
  • Peter B. Mills Algonquin Visitor Centre, Algonquin Provincial Park, Km 43 Hwy 60, P.O. Box 219, Whitney, Ontario K0J 2M0
  • Ronald J. Brooks Department of Integrative Biology, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Road East, Guelph, Ontario N1G 2W1
  • Jacqueline D. Litzgus Department of Biology, Laurentian University, 935 Ramsey Lake Road, Sudbury, Ontario P3E 2C6

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.22621/cfn.v129i4.1764

Keywords:

Amphibian larvae, Snapping Turtle, Chelydra serpentina, Midland Painted Turtle, Chrysemys picta marginata, diet, ephemeral pond, odonate, seed dispersal

Abstract

We compare diet and feeding behaviour of Snapping Turtles (Chelydra serpentina) and Midland Painted Turtles (Chrysemys picta marginata) in Algonquin Provincial Park, Ontario, Canada. We observed young Chelydra and Chrysemys turtles feeding on insect and amphibian larvae in ephemeral ponds, adult Chrysemys terrestrially foraging on odonate larvae, and adult Chelydra consuming aquatic vegetation and seeds. These and other observations highlight the importance of seasonally available habitat and food for juvenile turtles. We also discuss the evidence for, and importance of, turtles as seed-dispersal agents for aquatic vegetation. Illustrative video recordings accompany our dietary observations.

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Published

2016-01-30

Issue

Vol. 129 No. 4 (2015)

Section

Notes

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