Morelet's crocodile
Crocodylus moreletii
Crocodylus moreletii
•NAME ETYMOLOGY:
> Crocodylus is derived from the Greek krokodeilos which means literally "pebble worm" (kroko = pebble; deilos = worm, or man) referring to the appearance of a crocodile.
> moreletii means "of Morelet", after the French naturalist P.M.A. Morelet (1809-1892) who discovered this species in Mexico in 1850
> Crocodylus is derived from the Greek krokodeilos which means literally "pebble worm" (kroko = pebble; deilos = worm, or man) referring to the appearance of a crocodile.
> moreletii means "of Morelet", after the French naturalist P.M.A. Morelet (1809-1892) who discovered this species in Mexico in 1850
•HABITAT:
Mainly areas of freshwater, including swamps and marshes in forested areas also found in El Eden. Juveniles utilize dense cover. Adults are known to aestivate in burrows during the adverse conditions associated with the dry season
Mainly areas of freshwater, including swamps and marshes in forested areas also found in El Eden. Juveniles utilize dense cover. Adults are known to aestivate in burrows during the adverse conditions associated with the dry season
•Appearance:
Relatively
small species, usually reaching 3 m in length. Snout is quite broad for a crocodile. but general
tone is darker - a grayish brown with darker bands
and spots on body and tail. Iris is silvery brown.
Heavy scalation on the neck. Juvenile coloration is a brighter yellow with black
banding.
By Cliff Hilton
