About Malayemys macrocephala (Gray, 1859)
Scientific Classification and Research Utility
The Malayan snail-eating turtle, scientifically named Malayemys macrocephala (Gray, 1859), has the standard characteristics of a freshwater turtle, which makes it a useful animal model for developmental biology research.
Sexual Dimorphism
Females of this species grow significantly larger heads than males.
Dietary Adaptations
Individuals with large heads and other specialized traits are adapted to a diet that consists mainly of molluscs.
Geographic Distribution
This turtle is distributed across Cambodia, Myanmar, western Malaysia, and Thailand, where it occurs in coastal southeastern Thailand as well as the central Chao Phraya and Mae Klong basins.
