|
Guide to the Amphibians and Reptiles of the ACE Basin |
 |
 |
Family:
Trionychidae
|
 |
|
Florida Softshell Turtle Apalone ferox (not observed during the 2002 herpetofauna survey but thought to occur in the ACE Basin based on geographic range) |
|
| Species status | Of concern in SC |
| Size (SCL) | 15-29 cm (6-11 in.) |
| Identification | Flat, pancake shaped, leathery carapace with distinct marginal ridge. Brownish with large dark spots. Long neck and narrow head. Snout is tubelike. Feet are webbed extensively. |
| Could be confused with | No other species. |
| Habitat & Biology | Lives in rivers, ponds, and lakes. Omnivorous: mainly eats mollusks, crayfish, frogs, and fish. Be very careful when handling this species, they have sharp claws and bite!. |
| Breeding | During early summer females lay 10-22 eggs in sandy areas of rivers. After 2.5 months hatching occurs. |
| Geographic Range | Southern SC to FL Keys, Panhandle of FL and southern AL. |
Salamanders |
Frogs&Toads |
Snakes  |
Turtles
|
Alligators |
||
