Missouri Animals Common snapping turtle   (Chelydra serpentina) Chordate: Vertebrate: Reptile: Testudines: (Turtles) Native North American turtle Habitat: ponds, streams, rivers,. Diet: aquatic plants, crayfish, insects, fish, small birds.. ID Features: smooth black shell, aggressive behavior. Natural History: The common snapping turtle is a common aquatic turtle of Missouri. It is commonly found crossing roads on rainy nights. It is omnivorous..

The graphics and text are from: The Amphibians and Reptiles of Missouri by Tom R. Johnson, Missouri Department of Conservation, ©1992