Spiny Softshell (Apalone spinifera)

County List:

Rule:

Mixed Forested/Nonforested or Nonforested Landscapes

      (Lake or River)

Habitat List:

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Literature:

These turtles occur in rivers, large lakes, and impoundments; sandy or muddy bottoms are favored. They will bask on logs or sloping banks but spend much time buried in sand or mud in shallow water where they can use their snorkel-like noses and long necks to get air. Softshells can breath underwater by absorbing their oxygen through throat and cloacal linings. This may explain their sensitivity to pollutants that also kill fish.

Crayfish are reported to be the favorite food of this species, though they will also eat aquatic insects, snails, tadpoles, and fish.

Nesting in open sunny sites near water.

Habitat: Aquatic, inhabiting large river systems. Also found in lakes and ponds. Intolerant of pollution from sewage, industrial, or chemical wastes. Basks on sand bars, mud flats, grassy beaches, but will use logs, rocks, and other objects when sandy or muddy banks are not available. Hibernates in river bottom mud.

Special Habitat Requirements: Shallow muddy bottoms for burrowing. Some aquatic vegetation essential.

Eggs laid in sandy soil or gravel beds near water's edge.