Key Identification Features
- Its key anatomical features include a large triangular flattened head covered in many skin tubercles and flaps, plus a distinct spike on its long tubular snout.
- The upper carapace ranges from rich brown to blackish-brown, and usually has fine dark flecks or reticulations; the belly is whitish or cream-coloured.
- This species is found throughout the Murray-Darling basin of southeastern Australia, and also has several distinct populations across central and coastal Queensland.
- They use a distinctive 'body-slamming' behaviour to compact the nest, which forms a hardened plug that helps seal the nest.
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