Click on pictures to enlarge
(Trionyx spiniferus)
| Identification: Shell flattened, with
flexible edges and covered with leathery skin; small conical projections
on front edge of upper shell; snout tubular, with a ridge along inner
margin of each nostril; three claws on each front foot; vent near tip of
tail; upper shell up to about 52 cm (20 inches) in females (but usually
less than 30 cm or 12 inches), much smaller in males. Dorsal color pattern
can change in response to surroundings and lighting.
Mature male: Upper shell sandpapery, with small dark spots or circles; tail thick and long, with vent well beyond rear edge of upper shell; small conical bumps at front edge of upper shell. Mature female: Upper shell not notably sandpapery, often blotched or mottled; projections at front edge of upper shell conical or knoblike; tail relatively short. |
 |
 |
Juvenile: Upper shell not sandpapery; tail short; coloration of upper shell as in adult male. |
Hatchling: Upper shell olive to tan, with small dark
circles, spots, or dashes, and a yellowish margin bordered by a black line;
snout upturned; upper shell 30–40 mm (1.2-1.6 inches) long.
Colorado
Distribution: Eastern Colorado.
Habitat: Streams ranging from large rivers
to intermittently flowing creeks with permanent pools; also stream impoundments
and ponds adjacent to permanent streams. Often basks on logs or
banks.
Life History:
Nests in open areas, usually close
to water, mainly in June. Individual females may produce 1-2 clutches in a
single year. Young hatch and emerge from the nest in late summer or early
fall.
Note: This turtle has sharp jaws and a quick bite that can lacerate human skin.
Some
herpetologists refer to this turtle as Apalone
spinifera.