EASTERN SPINY SOFTSHELL TURTLE
Apalone spinifera spinifera
These medium-sized turtle have small bumps or spines on the front portion of their carapace. Small ridges are located along the snout. These features separate it from the Midland Softshell Turtle. Color varies by gender and age. Males and juveniles have a tan or olive-green carapace with dark spots or circles. Females are dark olive-green or tan with brown or gray blotches. The plastron is creamy white with legs and head being tan or olive-green. They have a long snout with a yellow strip along either side that will be bordered in dark brown.
Length: Males 5-9.25 inches, Females: 7-17 inches.
Their snout acts like a snorkel, allowing the turtle to stay submerged for long periods of time. They will use it to gulp air when they surface.
They are found Statewide.
They will be found in large rivers, streams, lakes and ponds with muddy or sandy bottoms.
They feed on crayfish, insects, snails, tadpoles and fish. Even though they eat most all species of fish, they are not known to cause anydamage to fish populations.
They are a game species with an approved hunting season.
Length: Males 5-9.25 inches, Females: 7-17 inches.
Their snout acts like a snorkel, allowing the turtle to stay submerged for long periods of time. They will use it to gulp air when they surface.
They are found Statewide.
They will be found in large rivers, streams, lakes and ponds with muddy or sandy bottoms.
They feed on crayfish, insects, snails, tadpoles and fish. Even though they eat most all species of fish, they are not known to cause anydamage to fish populations.
They are a game species with an approved hunting season.
Photo by Pater Paplanus
