Spiny softshelled turtle (Apalone spinifera) - Photos

[Ontario_herper]

So here a male that was caught a while back. The first photo shows one way that males are sexually dimorphic from female. Note the small bumps on the carapace. These bumps have an almost sand paper like texture.

I also threw in a few habitat shots. At this location softshell make use of a variety of habitats. Females will use areas shown below just up until nesting takes place. Males will continue to use this type of marshy habitat through the nesting season. The dark organic mud helps the turtle to heat up in the cooler parts of the spring and early summer. Most often they hide in/ under this mud rather than sit on top of it.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v23/ontarioherper/DSC06714.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v23/ontarioherper/DSC06719.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v23/ontarioherper/DSC06726.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v23/ontarioherper/DSC06727.jpg

[Swampwalker]

Very nice pictures Dave, I especialy like the last one :P

[Ontario_herper]

Just flip your computer screen up side down and it will be fine! ;)