Skip to main content
Today is World Environment Day!
Close

Florida Softshell Turtle

Apalone ferox

Photo by Machi
Published on Project Noah
Zoom
NominateNominate for Wildlife Photograph of the Month
reportFlag Spotting

29.6112, -82.4082

Field Notes

Description:

I saw 3 or 4 of these youngsters basking on the lily pads. They each were on a pad with some damage to the rim, presumably because they couldn't easily climb onto one that was not damaged

Habitat:

In a pond and sunbathing on Santa Cruz Water Lilies (Victoria cruziana) at Kanapaha Botanical Gardens. See the spotting of the lilies here: http://www.projectnoah.org/spottings/53613534

Reference Links:

https://srelherp.uga.edu/turtles/apafer.htm

Species ID Suggestions

Florida Softshell Turtle

Apalone ferox

Reference Link
ForestDragon
1

Comments (27)
Machi
Thanks again everyone!
Christine Y.
Congratulations Machi! These turtles are so cool!
Machi
Thank you triggsturner and Felix!
triggsturner
Congratulations Machi on your 1st place. Lovely series.
Felix Fleck
Congrats! Awesome shots of this cool animal.
Machi
Wow! Thank you! I'm so happy these turtles make people as happy as they made me!
DanielePralong
Congratulations Machi, your basking turtle came first in our 2017 Best Wildlife photo competition, Reptiles category: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/projectnoah/photos/a.10150595289465603.674700.10150120463815603/10159880268660603/?type=3&theater Twitter: https://twitter.com/projectnoah/status/951240680634048513
Machi
Thanks Sergio, Brian, Felix, Christine and James! Glad you all appreciate them so much. And James: was it difficult to care for? Why did it need rescuing?
James McNair
We rescued one called it Wesley, let it go after about a year. Great series
Brian38
Congrats Machi! Wonderful series!
Neil Ross
Well done, Machi. Congratulations on your SOTD. Turtles seem to have a knack of making people smile :)
Machi
Thanks Daniele! They made me happy to watch :) They were clearly enjoying their own private lily pads
DanielePralong
Congratulations Machi, this lovely series with a happy and whimsical feel is our Spotting of the Day! "Basking on a large water lily with its neck stretched out, this juvenile Florida Softshell Turtle (Apalone ferox) is our Spotting of the Day! The largest softshell turtle in North America, this species has a long neck and an elongated head. It is mostly aquatic, only leaving water to bask or to lay eggs. Find out more about this softshell tortoise here: https://buff.ly/2z4z0Z2 " Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/projectnoah/photos/a.10150595289465603.674700.10150120463815603/10159751247490603/?type=3&theater Twitter: https://twitter.com/projectnoah/status/940726607748231168
Machi
Thanks ForestDragon! I am happy to have seen young ones too now!
ForestDragon
From the references I have seen, the young ones have more visible markings on the face and neck like these. They are neat turtles!
Neil Ross
Awesome spotting. Makes me smile :)
Machi
Thanks ForestDragon! I was thrown off because I have never seen them so dark and with such striking markings. I have only ever seen adults

Spotted for Missions

Mission
Reptiles of the World
Mission
Florida's Flora & Fauna
Mission
Herpetofauna of Florida
Mission
2017 Best Wildlife Photo
Photographed
PublishedDecember 11, 2017

Community Sponsor

Butterfly
Become a Community Sponsor and Help Grow our Global Movement!

Accelerate our Mission to Photograph 
Every Species in the World!

Butterflies icon
Become a Community Sponsor

Wildlife Community

Wildlife Community

Join a worldwide community passionate about wildlife and nature!

Join Project Noah

Nature School

Nature School

Transform your green space into a curiosity-creating nature classroom!

Visit Nature School

Wildlife Game

Wildlife Game

Defend wildlife throughout the jungle in thrilling nature game!

Play Baboon

Nature & Conservation Organizations

Brands & Mission-Focused Companies