For fossil genera see text Podocnemidinae Podocnemididae is a family of pleurodire (side-necked) turtles, once widely distributed.

Like other pleurodire turtles, podocs have a "side-necked" defensive posture, turning the head sideways to hide it under the shell.

Another characteristic of pleurodires is that the pelvis is fused to the shell which prevents pelvic motion, making it difficult to walk on land.

According to Ferreira et al. (2015), the family name derives from two Greek words: "podos" (foot) and "cnemis" (leg armor worn by Roman soldiers.

[8] The three living genera of Podocnemididae (one of which is monotypic) are: Fossils show that podocnemidids were once found in Europe, Asia, North America, and Africa.