The spiny
softshell turtle is one of only two
softshell turtle species that can be found in Minnesota. The spiny
softshell can be found primarily in rivers, though they will also sometimes live in lakes with shallows and sandbars, throughout the southern two thirds of Minnesota. They are cautious and will into the water if they get nervous. I photographed these spiny
softshells in the Minnesota River at Fort
Snelling State Park.
Males and females of the species can appear quite different, see the photo above for comparison. Females are quite a bit larger, up to about twice the size of the males. Males typically have longer tales and have spots on their shells where the females shell is covered with large blotches. Males mature at about 5 years where females do not mature until they are 8 years old or older. Mating
occurs in May and eggs are laid in a sandbar close to the water.
Although their name is some what of an oxymoron spiny softshell are one of several species of turtles that can be found in Minnesota. They are called softshell turtles because their shell is not as rigid as most other species of turtles. Instead it some what resembles tough leather. This different type of shell is helpful because it is more permeable then the shells of of other types of turtles. The more permeable shell allows them to breathe though their skin which is important because softshell turtles are more aquatic then other turtles.
They are typically active from May until late September. They spend much of their time buried in the mud or sand at the bottom of streams, rivers or lakes. They can remain submerged for up to about 5 hours. They do not leave the water very often except to bathe in the sun or for the females to lay eggs. Even then they stay close to the water ready to dive in at the least sign of a predator. Female spiny softshells are much larger then their male counterparts, with females getting to a length of about 18" and males getting to about 9". This is demonstrated in the photo above.
