Crocodylian-chelonian carnivory: Bite traces of dwarf caiman, Paleosuchus palpebrosus, in red-eared slider, trachemys scripta, carapaces

Predatory acts of the Recent Dwarf Caiman, Paleosuchus palpebrosus, preying on Red-eared Sliders, Trachemys scripta, are investigated with regard to bite traces left in the turtle shells and the technique applied by the caiman to crack open the carapace of the turtle. The caiman manipulated the turtle into an upright position in the mouth before applying jaw pressure, which caused the bony bridges connecting the carapace and plastron to break, so the shell could be opened and emptied. This act left several types of bite traces in the shells, including round puncture holes, often arranged in rows; elongated scratch traces from the teeth scraping along the carapaces; and large crushed areas on the plastrons and carapaces from repeated bites applied to the same area. These are all traces that would be recognizable in fossil turtle material.