It’s #TaxaTuesday for the fifth Genus to be introduced, which is Malayemys (Snail-Eating Turtles), with only 3 species (M. khoratensis, M. macrocephala & M. subtrijuga).
Malayemys is thought to be monotypic until 2004. The species found in Malaysia is M. subtrijuga (Malayan Snail-Eating Turtle). This species is listed as ‘Vulnerable’ under the IUCN Red List.
The Malayan snail-eating turtle is carnivorous, named after its penchant for small snails. It also consumes earthworms, aquatic insects, crustaceans and small fish. This is a relatively small turtle with carapace length up to only 20 cm. Its carapace is brown with fine yellow edging. The front jaw of Malayan Snail-Eating Turtle has 3 pairs of light vertical stripes which distinguishes it from other snail-eating turtle.
There are more #TaxaTuesday, come back next week to learn more!