Dixie Plantation

A few weeks ago our class went on a field trip to Dixie Plantation. This trip has been my favorite so far. We were able to search for species using dip nets and rakes. We were also able to check traps that were previously put out. The first trap that we checked had a common snapping turtle (Chelydra serpentina) and a yellow belly slider (Trachemys scripta) in it. Below is a picture of the snapping turtle that we found.

Snapping turtles are about 8-14 inches in size and weigh up to 10-35 lbs. They have large heads and long tails witha saw-toothed appearance. As is typical of the species, this turtle was unpleasant in both appearance and disposition.

The most exciting part of the trip was finding a two-toed amphiuma (Amphiuma means). This species resembles an eel but has two tiny legs with two toes on each limb. Amphiumas are almost entirely aquatic and are about 14.5-30 inches in size. This amphiuma was very slimy and hard to hold. However, Dr. Welch managed to get a few good pictures of our most exciting find!

(Alexis Kocher, SC)