EMYSystem Family Page: Chelidae
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OrderOrder Testudines (turtles, tortoises and terrapins)
FamilyFamily Chelidae (Austro-American Side-necked Turtles)
Subfamily
Genus
Species
range of family Chelidae
approximate range
Austrochelidinae
Chelidinae
Hydromedusinae
 
Original Description Gray 1831b : 37
Original name Chelidina
Common name Austro-American Side-necked Turtles
Distribution South America, Australia, and New Guinea
Comments Gray (1831b:37) was apparently the first to designate a family level taxonomic name ("Chelydae, or Chelydidae") for this group. Higher taxonomy and phylogeny within the family are discussed by Gaffney (1977). Synonymy and literature review for Australian taxa are in Cogger et al. (1983); for most South American taxa, see Pritchard and Trebbau (1984). Phylogenetic relationships based on morphology are discussed by Rhodin (1989); those of the Australian and New Guinean taxa based on morphology and serology are in Burbidge et al. (1974); those of Australian taxa based on allozyme electrophoretic studies are in Georges and Adams (1989). Karotypes are reviewed by Bull and Legler (1980), and serological variation is discussed by Frair (1980). See also Comments under Chelodina, Elseya, and Emydura.
 
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