Literaturdatenbank
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Moler, P. E. (2006). Apalone spinifera aspera – gulf coast spiny softshell turtle. In P. A. Meylan (Ed.), Biology and Conservation of Florida Turtles Vol. 3, (pp. 173–177).
Added by: Sarina Wunderlich (06 Jul 2014 16:17:09 UTC) |
| Resource type: Book Article BibTeX citation key: anon2006.16337 View all bibliographic details  |
Categories: General Keywords: Habitat - habitat, Nordamerika - North America, Schildkröten - turtles + tortoises, Systematik - taxonomy Creators: Meylan, Moler Collection: Biology and Conservation of Florida Turtles |
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| Abstract |
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Trionychidae The Gulf Coast spiny softshell, Apalone spinifera aspera, is one of three species of softshell turtles found in Florida. It is intermediate in size between the smaller Gulf Coast smooth softshell and the larger Florida softshell. It is distinguished by the presence of small, pointed, soft spines along the anterior margin of the carapace. It is strongly sexually dimorphic, with females growing much larger than males. Maximum reported carapace length is 45.4 cm for females and 20.3 cm for males. It has a limited distribution in north Florida, occurring in the St. Marys River and from the Ochlockonee River westward across the Florida Panhandle to Alabama. It has not been recorded from the Suwannee drainage in Florida, but it is known from two Georgia tributaries of the Suwannee, the Withlacoochee (N) and Alapaha rivers. In Florida, it is usually found in rivers and larger creeks, but outside Florida (outside the range of the Florida softshell) it utilizes a wider variety of aquatic habitats. Nesting occurs from May to July, typically in sandy soils near the water. Clutch size averages 10–12 eggs but may number up to 25. Apalone s. aspera may bask on logs and along the shore, but they seldom travel far from the water except to nest. This species is not uncommon in the rivers in which it occurs, and its status in Florida appears secure as long as these rivers remain healthy.
Added by: Sarina Wunderlich |