Spiny Softshell Turtle

Spiny Soft Shell Turtle

Scientific Name: Apalone spinifera
(Formerly: Trionyx spiniferus)
Family: Trionychidae

Description and Size

  • Soft, leathery upper and lower shell (carapace and plastron)
  • Front of the carapace is covered with rough spiny projections
  • Very long neck when fully extended
  • Spiny projections from inside the nostrils
  • Shell length: 12.5-53.3 cm (4.9-21.0 in)
  • Carapace color: olive green to light brown
  • Plastron color: white or grey
  • Skin color: have light stripes and dark blotches
  • Females: much larger than males

Habitat

  • Lakes (small and large)
  • Rivers (small and large)
  • Marshes

Diet

  • Carnivorous
  • Invertebrates
  • Fish
  • Amphibians
  • Occasionally scavenge

Life History

  • Diurnal
  • Active season: April – October
  • Breeding season: April – June
  • Lays eggs
  • 1-2 clutches of 3-39 eggs per female

Range

Spiny Softshell Turtle

Most common range within the last 50 years and does not include outliers. For more info email dferraro1@unl.edu.