Softshell turtle by danapommet

Photography • Animals • posted on Jan 24, 2012

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Description

This is a freshwater softshell turtle. Her leathery smooth shell is about 17 inched long (43 cm). Males only grow to half this size. They can rest in shallow water and their fully extended neck, can reach 10 to 12 inches, to the waters surface, to breath. Older females develop a lichenlike mottling along the shell. Info from the Complete Field Guide to North American Wildlife. Photo taken at the Wakodahatchee Wetlands, just west of Delray Beach, Florida. Taken with my old Minolta. Zoom works and you can see some of the algae growing on her shell. Thanks for stopping by, taking a look and for all your previous favs and comments. They are very much appreciated. Dana