Turtles

Spiny Softshell Turtle

Apalone spinifera

Male: 12.15-23.5cm; female 18-43.2cm
Carapace is flat and olive-grey to brown; yellow border edged in black around margin of carapace
Males and juvenile turtles have large yellow spots outlined on black; females have brownish blotches
Small tubercles or spines on edge of shell above neck
Carapace in males is covered with tiny spines (like sand-paper); smooth in females
Plastron is yellowish-white
Two dark bordered, light yellow lines on each side of head
Very long neck; tubular "pig-like" snout
Legs streaked with yellow; feet are webbed
Often buries in sand or mud while hiding from danger or waiting for prey
Lays 12-18 round, white, hard-shelled eggs
Report sightings of this turtle to Toronto Zoo
THREATENED

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