The South American snapping turtle (Chelydra acutirostris)[1] is a species of turtle in the family Chelydridae.

[1] This species, which is endemic to Central and northwestern South America, was previously considered a subspecies of Chelydra serpentina.

[1] Its restricted range in South America reflects its recent arrival there as part of the Great American Interchange.

Chelydra acutirostris is found in Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia, Ecuador[1] and Peru.

There are no recognized subspecies of C.