Apalone mutica (Smooth softshell turtle)

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Apalone mutica, commonly known as the smooth softshell turtle, is a species of softshell turtle in the family Trionychidae. It is characterized by its smooth, leathery shell and snorkel-like nose, which are adaptations for its aquatic lifestyle.

Scientific Classification

  • Kingdom: Animalia
  • Phylum: Chordata
  • Class: Reptilia
  • Order: Testudines
  • Family: Trionychidae
  • Genus: Apalone
  • Species: Apalone mutica

Common Names

  • Smooth softshell turtle
  • Midland smooth softshell

Identification

Description

Smooth softshell turtles have a flat, round, leathery carapace that lacks scutes and is olive to tan in color, often with dark blotches. They have long, tubular snouts and webbed feet.

Sexual Dimorphism

Females are significantly larger than males, reaching up to 35 cm in carapace length, whereas males typically measure around 24 cm.

Native Origin and Distribution

Geographical Range

This species is native to the central United States, particularly in the Mississippi River basin, extending from Pennsylvania to Montana and south to the Gulf of Mexico.

Preferred Habitat

Apalone mutica prefers large rivers with sandy or muddy bottoms where it can easily bury itself.

Behavior

Feeding Habits

They are carnivorous, primarily feeding on fish, insects, and crustaceans.

Predators

Natural predators include raccoons, birds of prey, and larger fish.

Reproduction

Breeding Season

Breeding occurs in the spring, from April to June.

Reproductive Method

Females lay between 4 to 32 eggs in sandy banks, with the eggs hatching after about 60-70 days.

Conservation

Extinction Status

The smooth softshell turtle is currently listed as Least Concern by the IUCN.

Threats

Threats include habitat destruction, pollution, and the pet trade.

Conservation Measures

Conservation efforts focus on habitat preservation and regulation of trade.

Economic Importance

Smooth softshell turtles are sometimes harvested for their meat and are also sold in the pet trade.

Interesting Facts

  • The smooth softshell turtle can breathe underwater by exchanging gases through its skin, particularly when the water is cold and oxygen levels are high.
  • They are extremely agile in water but vulnerable on land due to their soft shells.

Research Studies

Here is a link to a research paper that examines the habitat preferences and population dynamics of Apalone mutica: Midland Smooth Softshell (Apalone mutica) and Spiny Softshell (Apalone spinifera) Turtles in the Middle Mississippi River: Habitat Associations, Population Structure, and Implications for Conservation

About Author

Muntaseer Rahman started keeping pet turtles back in 2013. He also owns the largest Turtle & Tortoise Facebook community in Bangladesh. These days he is mostly active on Facebook.