Spiny Softshell turtles are carnivorous, eating crayfish, aquatic insects, and invertebrates. They catch their prey by either probing under submerged logs and clumps of vegetation, or burying themselves in the bottom mud/sand with just the top of their head visible so they can ambush prey. Spiny Softshell turtles are found in large rivers, marshes, or open bays with muddy or sandy bottoms. Sandy banks are used for basking and egg laying. |
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Mating occurs in the spring, during late April to late May. Between 9 to 38 eggs are laid in June or July and the young turtles hatch 2-3 months later. Males become sexually mature in 4 to 5 years, females in 8 to 10. These turtles are not doing so well in today’s environment because of habitat loss due to shoreline development or agricultural activity. Predation on eggs and young and environmental contaminants are also factors that negatively affect this species. |
