[3] H. tectifera is found in northern Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay, and southern Brazil.

Its carapace is strongly keeled, and it can also be distinguished by black and yellowish markings along its head and neck.

[3][6] The Argentine snake-necked turtle lives in slow-moving ponds, rivers, streams, and marshes, preferably with aquatic vegetation.

It attacks its prey with a combination of matamata-like vacuum suction and the stabbing neck motions of other snake-necked turtles.

[3] Courtship and mating has not been extensively observed in this species, although it is known that nesting occurs in the spring at the riverbanks.