River turtles
Emydura - Bonaparte, 1836

Pronunciation:	EMM-ee-DUE-rah
Etymology:	'turtle-tail'.
Taxonomic notes:
Notes:
Statistics:	Reproductive modes: Oviparous - 4 out of 4 Australian species Size range: Smallest Australian species: painted turtle (Emydura subglobosa) at 25 cm  Longest Australian species: Murray River turtle (Emydura macquarii) at up to 35 cm
Number of Australian species:	4
	Mary River, Queensland Photo © Stewart Macdonald Emydura macquarii Murray River turtle Year described (Gray 1830) Description Iris clear, without leading and trailing dark spots; facial stripe present or absent, if present, as a cream or yellow post-ocular stripe only. Triturating surfaces of maxillary sheath not expanded to form a crushing plate on the roof of the mouth; borders of the triturating surfaces of the maxillary sheath approximately parallel for their full length; length of mandibular symphysis in adults approximately equal to the horizontal diameter of the tympanum.1 - Georges & Thomson (2010). Diversity of Australasian freshwater turtles, with an annotated synonymy and keys to species. Zootaxa, 2496:1-37. Wongalara Sanctuary, Northern Territory Photo © Stephen Zozaya Emydura subglobosa Painted turtle Year described Krefft 1876 Description Iris with leading and trailing dark spots; prominent facial stripe extending from the tympanum through the upper eyelid to the tip of the nose. Triturating surfaces of maxillary sheath not expanded to form a crushing plate on the roof of the mouth; borders of the triturating surfaces of the maxillary sheath approximately parallel for their full length; length of mandibular symphysis in adults approximately equal to the horizontal diameter of the tympanum.1 - Georges & Thomson (2010). Diversity of Australasian freshwater turtles, with an annotated synonymy and keys to species. Zootaxa, 2496:1-37. Wenlock River, Queensland Photo © Henry Cook Emydura tanybaraga Northern yellow-faced turtle Year described Cann 1997 Description Post-ocular stripe universally yellow (fading in older individuals); carapace commonly with distinct rugations in adult individuals; macrocephaly uncommon. Triturating surfaces of maxillary sheath not expanded to form a crushing plate on the roof of the mouth, but with moderate medial expansion; length of mandibular symphysis in adults approximately equal to the horizontal diameter of the tympanum.1 - Georges & Thomson (2010). Diversity of Australasian freshwater turtles, with an annotated synonymy and keys to species. Zootaxa, 2496:1-37. Central Kimberley, Western Australia Photo © Stewart Macdonald Emydura victoriae Northern red-faced turtle Year described (Gray 1842) Description Post-ocular stripe typically bright red, fading with age; iris without leading and trailing dark spots; macrocephaly in adults common. Triturating surfaces of the maxillary sheath expanded, meeting medially to form a crushing plate on the roof of the mouth; length of mandibular symphysis in adults about 1.5 times the horizontal diameter of the tympanum.1 - Georges & Thomson (2010). Diversity of Australasian freshwater turtles, with an annotated synonymy and keys to species. Zootaxa, 2496:1-37.

1. Georges, A. & Thomson, S. (2010). Diversity of Australasian freshwater turtles, with an annotated synonymy and keys to species. Zootaxa, 2496:1-37. - search web for this article