Spiny Softshell Turtle (Apalone spinifera)

Softshell Turtles Family (Trionychidae)
Spiny softshell turtle is a large aquatic turtle, reaching 19” in length. Its upper shell (carapace) is flat and leathery with very flexible edges. It has several large conelike projections at the front of the shell. The males are yellowish or greenish in overall color and have numerous dark circles and spots on its shell, while the females are drabber and have large dark blotches on the shell. Lower shell (plastron) is unhinged and white in color. The very long neck and extensively webbed feet are strongly patterned with yellow and black. Its nose tapers to a point like a snorkel and has a horizontal ridge inside. Its head has two dark-bordered stripes on each side of head. Adult females can be almost twice the size of males. Breeding occurs in late spring to early summer. Consumes mostly crayfish, aquatic insects, and small fish. Found throughout much of the US, mostly in rivers, streams, and large lakes with sandy or muddy bottoms and ample basking places. Will bask on logs and sand/mud bars usually at the water’s edge. Usually sleeps and hibernates in the mud/sand. Capable of exchanging gas through its skin in both water and air. Can be submerged for up to 5 hours.Very fast swimmers and aggressive if picked up. Has 6 subspecies. Also known as spiny softshell. Listed as Threatened in CAN and VT and a Species of Special Concern in MD, MT, NC, and NY.


Copyright Brett Miley