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Florida softshell turtle

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Florida softshell turtle
Scientific classification
Kingdom:
Animalia
Phylum:
Chordata
Class:
Reptilia
Order:
Testudines
Suborder:
Cryptodira
Family:
Trionychidae
Genus:
Apalone
Species:
A. ferox
Binomial name
Apalone ferox
(Schneider, 1783)
Synonyms[2]
  • Testudo ferox Schneider, 1783
  • Testudo mollis Lacépède, 1788
  • Testudo bartrami Daudin, 1801
  • Emydes ferox – Brongniart, 1805
  • Chelys bartramii Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire, 1809 (ex errore)
  • Trionyx carinatus Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire, 1809
  • Trionyx georgianus Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire, 1809
  • Trionyx georgicus Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire, 1809
  • Trionyx brongniarti Schweigger, 1812
  • Trionyx ferox – Schweigger, 1812
  • Amyda ferox – Oken, 1816
  • Trionix ferox – Gray, 1825
  • Aspidonectes carinatus – Wagler, 1830
  • Aspidonectes ferox – Wagler, 1830
  • Trionyx bartrami – LeConte, 1830
  • Testudo brongniartii Gray, 1831 (ex errore)
  • Mesodeca bartrami – Rafinesque, 1832
  • Testudo bartramii – A.M.C. Duméril & Bibron, 1835
  • Trionyx brongnartii A.M.C. Duméril & Bibron, 1835 (ex errore)
  • Trionyx harlani Bell, 1835
  • Platypeltis ferox – Fitzinger, 1843
  • Aspenodectes ferox – LeConte, 1854
  • Platypeltis brongnartii – O.P. Hay, 1903
  • Platypeltis erox O.P. Hay, 1903 (ex errore)
  • Amyda ferox ferox – Neill, 1951
  • Trionyx ferox ferox – Schmidt, 1953
  • Apalone ferox – Meylan, 1987
  • Trionix feroz Richard, 1999 (ex errore)

The Florida softshell turtle (Apalone ferox) is a species of softshell turtle native to the Southeastern United States.

Geographic range

It is found primarily in the state of Florida, but it also ranges to southern sections of South Carolina, Georgia, and Alabama.[3]

Close-up

Description

The Florida softshell turtle typically has a dark brown to olive green, leathery carapace with a white or cream-colored underside,[4] which visually conceals young turtles from potential predators.[5] It has a long neck and an elongated head with a long snorkel-like nose. It is the largest soft-shell turtle in North America, reaching about 15–76 cm (5.9–29.9 in) in length.[4] The female is larger, with the average male reaching only about 35 cm (14 in). The female can weigh up to 20 kg (44 lb), with the record weight documented at 43.5 kg (96 lb).[1] The juvenile is olive-yellow with grey spots and yellow lines. There are also yellow and orange markings on the head and the plastron is gray. The markings disappear or fade as it ages.[4]

Behavior

The turtle is almost entirely aquatic, only emerging from the water to bask or to lay eggs.[4] It prefers the still waters of ponds, streams, lakes, and swamps. Like all soft-shells it is very fast-moving in water and on land.[4] This species is carnivorous, consuming fish, insects, crustaceans, and molluscs. It may also scavenge.[1]

Ecology

Alligators have been known to prey on the adult turtle. Birds of prey may take juveniles. Nest predators include the Fish Crow, foxes, raccoons, and skunks.[1]

Pet trade

Florida softshell turtles are popular in the pet trade. These turtles could be easily injured when hit or dropped on a hard surface. Captive Florida softshell turtles will eat fish, commercial turtle diet, mice, frogs, and chicken.[6]

References

  1. ^ a b c d van Dijk, P. P. 2011. Apalone ferox. In: IUCN 2013. IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2013.1. Downloaded on 21 July 2013.
  2. ^ Fritz, U.; P. Havaš (2007). "Checklist of Chelonians of the World". Vertebrate Zoology. 57 (2): 305–306. ISSN 18640-5755. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2010-12-17. Retrieved 29 May 2012.
  3. ^ Apalone ferox (Schneider, 1783). USGS.
  4. ^ a b c d e Apalone. www.tortoise.org
  5. ^ Heron tries to swallow turtle for dinner. Daily Telegraph, 18 Dec 2009.
  6. ^ Cite error: The named reference Ernst was invoked but never defined (see the help page).

External links


Wikimedia Commons has media related to Apalone ferox.
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