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Alligator Snapping Turtle

Alligator Snapping Turtle line art illustration (click image to enlarge)

Alligator Snapping Turtle full color illustration (click image to enlarge)

Artist's notes:

The inked version of the Alligator Snapping Turtle was completed in 2003 and the color added digitally in 2007. The drawing was touched up again in 2009. I've noticed some pretty large color variations in this reptiles, from the dark blue-black phase like this one here but sort of a brown-grayish version also exists, which I might illustrate at some point.

Information about the Alligator Snapping Turtle:

The Alligator Snapping Turtle is one of the largest freshwater turtles on earth and the largest in North America. It can be found in the Mississippi River and it's tributaries. They can be found in murky, backwater swamps and slow moving waters. Inside the turtle's mouth is has a built-in lure, which is a fleshy appendage it dangles while it sits motionless to attract fish. When a fish comes close enough it snaps its mouth shut with tremendous speed and force. Because of this formidable mouth which has been known to break fingers and cause other injuries they should be handled with extreme care or avoided all together if possible.