North American flat-headed turtle (SciiFii)

The North American flat-headed turtle (Platemys edaphocephala), also known as the North American twist-necked turtle, is a species of pond turtle that originally did not exist, but has since been created by SciiFii and introduced throughout the wetlands, lakes, rivers, and ponds across North America to help boost biodiversity. The North American flat-headed turtle is a member of the Pleurodira; a suborder of turtles. These turtles withdraw their heads into their shells by bending their necks sideways instead of straight back like Cryptodira. North American flat-headed turtles have extremely flat shells that help them hide from predators under rocks and debris. When threatened, this turtle withdraws by twisting its head into its shell, hence one of its common names. North American flat-headed turtle frequently forages on the floor of the forest for insects, amphibians, and mollusks. The orange and brown head pattern makes it difficult to spot from above because of similarly colored leaf litter along small pools and creek beds. Other distinctions include a hook at the base of the foot for copulation in males and a specialized opening at the base of the plastron for oviposition (egg deposit). The North American flat-headed turtle is a medium-sized turtle ranging from 14–18 centimeters in shell length. Females are slightly smaller on average, with shorter tails. The carapace (top portion of the shell) is elliptical and flattened with two raised portions (keels) forming a trough (depression). The carapace is orange to yellow-brown and black in various amounts depending on population. The plastron (lower portion of the shell) is dark brown or black in color while the bridge (side portion of the shell) is yellow with a black bar across. The consistency of these bars also depends on population. Face and neck patterns consist of orange or yellow-brown dorsal stripes and black ventral and lateral stripes. The head is small, triangular, smooth, and undivided. The neck has some conical tubercles; rounded projections and scales that protect against predator attack. Camouflage, head and body shape, and advanced sexual anatomy allow this species of turtle to effectively populate much of North America. Mating occurs during spring (late March–early June) and egg deposit occurs summer (June–August). Males have been known to behave aggressively towards females during copulation by squirting water from nostrils and biting. The young or hatchlings typically resemble parents except for brighter coloration. North American flat-headed turtle hatchlings measure around 4–6 centimeters in carapace length and about 20 g or 0.04 lbs. Mating typically occurs during the spring. Males follow females, mount from behind, then proceed to rub their chin barbels (fleshy filament) against the top of females’ heads. Violent biting and water expulsion from the males' nostrils during copulation have occurred. Coupling has been observed on land and in water, and usually occurs late in the afternoon or at night. Oviposition occurs during the summer when the female deposits large, oval eggs (around 5 centimeters long and 2.5 centimeters wide). Females are known to deposit several eggs a few weeks later. Shallow indentations are made to deposit eggs, and then they are lightly covered by sand, mud, and/or leaf litter. The conservation status of the North American flat-headed turtle is Least Concern due to successful conservation efforts, the North American flat-headed turtle's wide range and its tolerance to many of the human activities.