Helmeted Turtle (Pelomedusa subrufa)

Helmeted Turtle, a reference photo — Photo: Bernard DUPONT from FRANCE · CC BY-SA 2.0 (licence)

The African helmeted turtle (Pelomedusa subrufa), also commonly known as the marsh terrapin, the crocodile turtle, or in the pet trade as the African side-necked turtle, is a species of omnivorous side-necked terrapin in the family Pelomedusidae. The species naturally occurs in fresh and stagnant water bodies throughout much of Sub-Saharan Africa, and in southern Yemen.

From Wikipedia, under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Is it venomous or poisonous?

We have no record of Helmeted Turtle being toxic, poisonous or venomous. That is not proof that it is safe. Never eat, touch or handle a wild plant, mushroom or animal on the strength of an identification; ask someone qualified.

Easily confused with

Pelomedusa galeata
Mesoclemmys tuberculata
Pelusios sinuatus
Podocnemis vogli
Acanthochelys spixii

Classification

Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Testudines
Family: Pelomedusidae
Genus: Pelomedusa
Species: Pelomedusa subrufa

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