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Florida Softshell (Apalone ferox)
Florida Softshell Photograph by Johnskate17. License: Public Domain. (view image details) 
Florida Softshell Turtle (Apalone ferox) swimming Photograph by John J. Mosesso, NBII. License: Public Domain. (view image details)
FLORIDA SOFTSHELL FACTS
DescriptionThe Florida Softshell Turtle is one of the largest freshwater turtles in North America, and the largest of the Apalone genus. It has a dark brown to olive green, leathery carapace. The underside (plastron) is white or cream. They have a long neck, an elongated head, with a long nose. Juvenile turtles are olive or yellowish with grey spots and a yellow lined carapace, and a gray plastron. The juveniles also yellow and orange markings on the head. The markings fade as the turtle ages. Florida Softshell Turtles may bite when threatened. They are fast moving on land and in the water. Size length 15cm - 63cm Environment Found in ponds, streams, rivers, lakes and swamps. They prefer still water. Florida Softshell Turtles are mainly aquatic and only come onto land to bask or to lay eggs. Food The Florida Softshell Turtle is carnivorous and eats fish, crustaceans, snails, insects, amphibians. Breeding The nesting season is during spring or summer. Females lay 4-24 eggs in a nest in sandy soil in sunny position. Range eastern United States. Mainly in Florida, but it also found in South Carolina, Georgia and Alabama. Classification
Relatives in same Genus Spiny Softshell Turtle (A. spinifera) Home | Mammals | Reptiles | Birds | Insects | Privacy Policy | Disclaimer | Contact Us |