Macrochelodina

Taxobox
name = Macrochelodina
status = secure


image_width = 250px
image_caption = Broad Shelled Turtle ("Macrochelodina expansa")
regnum = Animalia
phylum = Chordata
classis = Sauropsida
ordo = Testudines
subordo = Pleurodira
familia = Chelidae
genus = "Macrochelodina"
genus_authority = Wells & Wellington, 1985
subdivision_ranks = Species
subdivision = "See text"

"Macrochelodina" is the sister taxon to the "Chelodina" and repesents those species that have often been termed the "Chelodina" B group, or thick necked snake neck turtles. The genus was described in 1985 by Wells & Wellington but was not recognised until recently when it was shown that the name was valid. As such they are a side-neck turtle of the family Chelidae with extremely long necks and long flattened heads. They are specialist fish eaters using a strike and gape mode of feeding. They are medium to large species with the largest "Macrochelodina expansa" reaching shell lengths of some 45cm.

Taxonomy

* "Macrochelodina alanrixi" (fossil)
* "Macrochelodina insculpta" (fossil)
* "Macrochelodina burrungandjii" (Thomson, Kennett & Georges, 2000)
* "Macrochelodina expansa" (Gray, 1857)
* "Macrochelodina kuchlingi" (Cann, 1997)
* "Macrochelodina parkeri" (Rhodin and Mittermeier, 1976)
* "Macrochelodina rugosa" (Ogilby, 1890)

References

* [http://www.carettochelys.com/literature/thomson_2000b_1.htm Thomson S., Kennett R. and Georges A. (2000).] A new species of long necked turtle (Chelidae:"Chelodina") from the sandstone plateau of Arnhem Land, Northern Australia. "Chelonian Conservation and Biology" 3:675-685.
* [http://www.carettochelys.com/literature/nomen_oblonga1.htm Thomson S. (2000).] The identification of the holotype of "Chelodina oblonga" (Testudines: Chelidae) with a discussion of taxonomic implications. "Chelonian Conservation and Biology". 3(4):745-748