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Little has been reported about communication and perception in Florida softshell turtles. Another American softshell turtle, Apalone spinifera, was reported to have some orientation ability for migratory movement; orientation seemed to be dependent on solar (sun) cues coupled with an internal time sense. Hatchlings oriented towards light and (unseen) water. Color vision seems likely in softshell turtles.
Communication Channels: visual
Perception Channels: visual ; tactile ; chemical
Florida softshell turtles remain common in many parts of their range, but populations are locally threatened due to habitat destruction and heavy harvesting. Despite large numbers removed from the wild in some places, Florida softshell turtles remain common in refuge areas and other areas less subject to harvest; their dispersal abilities may allow them to repopulate over-harvested or isolated habitats. Softshell turtles (Apalone) are sensitive to rotenone, a poison often used to collect and survey fish for population studies. Florida softshell turtles are subject to harvest regulations in states where they occur, but are not yet considered to be endangered or threatened on any Federal or State list. They are a Species of Concern in South Carolina. Unusual among turtles in general, Florida softshell turtles may be able to sustain a regulated harvest, and thus take pressure off more sensitive species (Meylan 2006).
US Federal List: no special status
CITES: no special status
IUCN Red List of Threatened Species: no special status
Sex determination is genetic, with no influence from nest temperature. Hatchlings and juveniles are shaped much like adults, although their color darkens with age. Growth slows with maturity.
Florida softshell turtles are generally harmless to human interests; they do eat fish and occasionally young water birds, but no significant effects on prey populations have been reported.Florida softshell turtles are aggressive and will bite if handled or restrained, but are probably harmless to humans if left alone.
Florida softshell turtles are harvested in large numbers for the food trade, both for domestic consumption and, increasingly, to supply Asian markets. Between July 1990 and July 1991, 3600 softshell turtles were purchased for meat in south Florida. Today there are breeding centers in southern Florida to raise turtles for Chinese markets (Bonin et al., 2006), but wild turtles are often taken to resupply breeding farms. Apalone ferox is the most heavily harvested turtle species in Florida.
Positive Impacts: pet trade ; food
Florida softshell turtles play a role in the aquatic ecosystem both as predators and as scavengers, and in turn provide food (as eggs and post-hatching turtles) for other predators. Young Apalone ferox are prone to bacterial and fungal skin problems; these problems occur in both wild and captive animals and populations. Little is known about parasites in Apalone ferox; they can harbor leeches, and Foster et al. (1998) found eight helminth species in Florida softshell turtle obtained from a commercial processor. The most prevalent helminths were Spiroxys amydae (80%), Cephalogonimus vesicaudus (80%), Vasotrema robustum (76%) and Proteocephalus (63%).
Commensal/Parasitic Species:
Florida softshell turtles are mostly carnivorous, and both predaceous and scavenging. Typical foods include snails, insects, crustaceans, fish, amphibians, small turtles (Pseudemys, Sternotherus), snakes (Nerodia, Regina), and occasional aquatic birds. Vegetation and seeds sometimes occur in stomach contents. Small Florida softshell turtles eat many insects, but increase the number of snails and fish in the diet as they grow. Males may consume more snails, clams, and palm seeds than females, which may prefer fish or larger items. Florida softshell turtles conceal themselves in the sand at the bottom of lakes and ambush passing schools of fish. Perhaps because they eat carrion, Florida softshell turtles may be be more effected by pesticides than other aquatic turtles.
Animal Foods: birds; amphibians; reptiles; fish; carrion ; insects; mollusks; terrestrial worms; aquatic crustaceans
Plant Foods: leaves; seeds, grains, and nuts; algae
Primary Diet: carnivore (Piscivore , Insectivore , Eats non-insect arthropods, Molluscivore , Scavenger )
Apalone ferox is found only in the southeastern United States, from southern South Carolina west to Mobile Bay, Alabama, and south through the Florida peninsula. It is apparently not found in the Florida Keys, with the exception of a colony on Big Pine Key, where it was possibly introduced. Apalone ferox can be common over much of its range and sometimes thrives in urbanized areas.
Biogeographic Regions: nearctic (Native )
Florida softshell turtles are highly aquatic and are found in freshwater ponds, lakes, swamps, marshes, and sometimes drainage ditches. They are generally found in water bodies with muddy or sandy bottoms. Occasionally they are found in brackish waters near the mouths of streams. They can also be found in the quieter portions of rivers and streams and may sometimes occur sympatrically with spiny softshell turtles, Apalone spinifera. However Apalone spinifera prefers aquatic habitats with moving water, so is more common where A. ferox is scarce.
Habitat Regions: temperate ; freshwater
Aquatic Biomes: lakes and ponds; rivers and streams; brackish water
Wetlands: marsh ; swamp
The average and maximum lifespan of Apalone ferox in the wild appears to be unknown. Captives often live over 20 years and a specimen at the National Zoological Park (Washington D.C.) reportedly lived 36 years and 8 months.
Range lifespan
Status: captivity: 36.75 (high) years.
Typical lifespan
Status: captivity: 20 (high) years.
Adult Florida softshell turtles have bumpy, leathery, oblong carapaces with dark brown to olive green colors and a gray to white plastron. Both the carapace and plastron lack scutes. The carapace has longitudinal rows of indentations and raised areas on the dorsal surface. On the thickened edge of the anterior portion of the carapace there is a series of wide, short tubercles in a crescent shape. Short tubercles also cover the sides of the forelimbs. Carapace tubercles on Florida softshell turtles are flattened hemispheres instead of the cone-shaped projections seen in the sympatric Gulf Coast Softshell, Apalone spinifera aspera. Bones underlying the plastron can sometimes be seen through the leathery skin covering. The carapace occasionally has faint irregular blotches left over from the juvenile pattern. A yellow to red stripe sometimes is present from each eye to the base of the lower jaw. The tubular, pig-like nose is truncated with each nostril having a lateral ridge projecting from the nasal septum. All four feet are webbed; webbing extends up the shank of the hind legs. This species is bulky and the largest of all New World trionychids. Sexual dimorphism is marked, with females much larger than males. Adult females are usually between 28 and 63 centimeters in carapace length (record 73.6 cm), with short tails that barely extend beyond the carapace rim. Males are usually between 15 and 33 centimeters in carapace length, with long, thick tails with the anal vent well beyond the carapace rim.
Juveniles have more contrasting color patterns than adults. The carapace is olive, tan, or light brown with darker brown or black spots and a yellow marginal rim. The plastron is dark purplish gray to black. The snout and neck are marked with yellow or orange stripes. The snout is marked with a Y shaped figure on the anterior edge, reaching from each eye down the middle of the nose.
Range mass: 43.6 (high) kg.
Range length: 15 to 73.6 cm.
Other Physical Features: ectothermic ; heterothermic ; bilateral symmetry
Sexual Dimorphism: female larger; sexes shaped differently
Crows, spotted skunks, American black bears, raccoons, and red foxes all rob Florida softshell turtle nests. Large fish, turtles (Chelydra, Macroclemys), snakes (Agkistrodon, Nerodia), raptorial birds (Everglades kites, eagles) wading birds (herons and egrets) and mammals (armadillos, striped skunks, and otters) eat young turtles, and alligators feed on Florida softshell turtles of all sizes. Humans are the greatest predator of all - people exploit these turtles for food and pets, destroy and pollute habitat, and cause highway mortality.
Known Predators:
Anti-predator Adaptations: cryptic
Most (more than 90%) of mature females appear to breed every year. In Florida females carried eggs in the oviduct from March through July; males were found to produce sperm in fall (September to October) and mating probably occurs in spring (March to May). Although Florida softshell turtles are fairly common, courtship and mating have not been described in the literature.
Mating System: polygynandrous (promiscuous)
Nesting takes place between mid March and July in central and southern Florida, and in June and July further north. There is a possibility for females to nest 2 to 7 times in one season. Florida softshell turtles may produce more eggs per year (up to 225) than any reptile species other than South American river turtles (Podocnemis expansa), some of the marine turtles, or some Asian softshell species. Females emerge from the water in daytime to nest in sand or well drained soil, but sometimes use newly constructed alligator nests. This habit may take advantage of the female alligator's defense of her nest against predators. The nest is dug with the hind feet and may be up to 14 cm deep and 10 cm in diameter. The female may expel cloacal water on the nest site, perhaps to facilitate excavation. After nesting, females often scratch and churn the ground as they move away from the nest. This behavior may draw predators away from the actual nest. From 9 to 24 brittle, white, spherical eggs are laid per clutch; eggs have an average mass of about 14 grams and range from 24 to 33 mm in diameter. The incubation period is between 56 and 80 days, with the hatchlings averaging 9.7 g and ranging from about 29 to 44 mm in carapace length. Florida softshell turtles are sexually dimorphic with females exceeding the largest male's size by three to five times.
The minimum size for sexual maturity in males is about 0.7 kg and 15.1 cm in plastron length (PL) Some may mature at as small a size as 12 cm PL. For females, the minimum size for sexual maturity is about 20 cm in plastron length. However most females may mature at about 24 cm PL, and some may need to reach 30 cm PL before reproducing.
Breeding interval: Females can lay up to 7 clutches per year between February and August.
Breeding season: Breeding occurs from February to August, although most breeding occurs from March to July.
Range number of offspring: 9 to 40.
Average number of offspring: 26.
Range gestation period: 56 to 80 days.
Key Reproductive Features: iteroparous ; seasonal breeding ; gonochoric/gonochoristic/dioecious (sexes separate); sexual ; fertilization ; oviparous ; sperm-storing
Energy is concentrated by the female in the yolk of her eggs, and the production of several egg clutches, along with the nesting process itself, is energetically demanding. Once the female leaves the nest site, there is no further parental investment in the eggs or young.
Parental Investment: no parental involvement; pre-fertilization (Provisioning, Protecting: Female); pre-hatching/birth (Provisioning: Female)
Apalone ferox és una espècie de tortuga de la família Trionychidae nadiua dels Estats Units i que es troba a Florida, Carolina del Sud, Geòrgia i Alabama. Té els hàbits molt semblants a la resta de tortugues de la subfamília Trionychinae. Té una coloració bastant peculiar, per la qual cosa es distingeix de la resta d'espècies amb bastant facilitat.
Kožnatka floridská (Apalone ferox) je druh želvy z čeledi kožnatkovití.
Krunýř kožnatky floridské je velký až 60 cm. Její zbarvení je olivové nebo hnědé. Žije na jihovýchodě Spojených států amerických, hlavně na Floridě. Je všežravá, ale dává přednost masu.
Hnízdění probíhá většinou na jaře. Pokaždé snese samice asi 20 vajec. Doba inkubace je 60-70 dní. Mláďata mají nažloutlé zbarvení s tmavými skvrnami. [2]
V tomto článku byl použit překlad textu z článku Kožnatka floridská na slovenské Wikipedii.
Obrázky, zvuky či videa k tématu kožnatka floridská ve Wikimedia Commons
Kožnatka floridská (Apalone ferox) je druh želvy z čeledi kožnatkovití.
Die Florida-Weichschildkröte (Apalone ferox, Syn.: Trionyx ferox), auch Wilde Dreiklaue oder Beißschildkröte genannt, kommt in den USA in den Bundesstaaten South Carolina, Georgia, Florida und Alabama vor. Ihr Lebensraum sind langsam fließende Flüsse mit schlammigen Bodengrund. Sie gehen auch in Brackwasser.
Ihr flacher, ovaler Rückenpanzer ist oberseits bräunlich, die Bauchseite ist weißlich. Am Vorderrand befinden sich einige Warzen. Der Kopf endet in einer kleinen, rüsselförmigen Nase. Die Lippen sind fleischig. Von den Augen erstreckt sich eine Y-förmige, gelbe Markierung zur Nasenspitze und der lange Hals und die Kopfseiten sind mit gelben Strichen gezeichnet, diese verblassen aber mit dem Alter. Die Gliedmaßen tragen drei scharfe Krallen. Die Tiere erreichen eine Größe von 45 Zentimeter.
Die Florida-Weichschildkröte (Apalone ferox, Syn.: Trionyx ferox), auch Wilde Dreiklaue oder Beißschildkröte genannt, kommt in den USA in den Bundesstaaten South Carolina, Georgia, Florida und Alabama vor. Ihr Lebensraum sind langsam fließende Flüsse mit schlammigen Bodengrund. Sie gehen auch in Brackwasser.
The Florida softshell turtle (Apalone ferox) is a species of turtle in the family Trionychidae. The species is native to the Southeastern United States.[4][5]
The Florida softshell turtle is found primarily in the state of Florida, but it also ranges to southern sections of Alabama, Georgia, and South Carolina.[6] It is the only species of softshell turtle whose range spans the entire Florida peninsula.[7] Of the three species in the genus Apalone, the Florida softshell turtle occupies the smallest geographic range.
The Florida softshell turtle is a widespread species and occupies almost every freshwater habitat, even tolerating some brackish environments; however, it is not often found in water with strong currents, preferring habitats with slow-moving or still water. These different habitats include swamps, lakes, marshes, wet prairies, small rivers, creeks, and even ponds formed in man-made ditches or sinkholes.[8][9][10][11]
The Florida softshell turtle is a large turtle with a flattened, pancake-like body, a long neck, an elongated head with a long snorkel-like nose, and large webbed feet, each with three claws. While most turtles have hard shells composed of scutes, the Florida softshell turtle has a cartilaginous carapace covered in leathery skin. Ranging from olive green to dark brown, it has the darkest coloration of all the softshell species that inhabit Florida (other species include Apalone mutica calvata and Apalone spinifera aspera). It is also characterized by a white or cream-colored underside.[12][7] This color pattern is known as countershading and is a form of camouflage to conceal turtles from potential predators.[13] It is also the largest species of softshell turtle found in Florida and all of North America, ranging from 15 to 76 cm (5.9 to 29.9 in) in straight-line carapace length.[12] The Florida softshell turtle also exhibits significant sexual size dimorphism. Adult females are often 3-5 times larger than males. Males have a carapace length and body weight averaging about 35 cm (14 in) and 2.68 kg (5.9 lb) respectively. Nesting adult females were found to average 6.65 kg (14.7 lb) in weight and measure 40.1 cm (15.8 in) in carapace length, with the record weight documented at 43.6 kg (96 lb).[14][4] However, males tend to have longer tails than their female counterparts (3 cm longer than a female of the same size). Hatchlings have a lighter carapace with yellow and orange markings and a carapacial rim. Stripes in the same color are also found on the face and neck. The plastron of hatchlings is generally dark in color. As the turtle ages, these colors fade and are lost, resulting in the dark-brown coloration characteristic of adults.[12][7]
The Florida softshell turtle is almost entirely aquatic, only emerging from the water to bask or to lay eggs.[12] In the water, it prefers to bury itself in the sandy/muddy substrate. Like all softshells, it is very fast-moving in water and on land.[12] While this species is omnivorous, its diet consists largely of meat, consuming mainly fish, insects, crustaceans, frogs and mollusks. It may also scavenge.[1]
The reproductive cycle of male Florida softshell turtles follows a postnuptial pattern, with a cycle of spring mating followed by spermatogenesis in the fall. The male will produce sperm during the fall and store that sperm in the epididymides through the winter. This stored sperm can then be utilized for copulation during the following spring mating season. Evidence suggests that they undergo spermatogenesis every year. Males of this species reach sexual maturity at small sizes (below 0.7 kg), allowing them to begin reproducing quickly following birth. This implies that some males may be able to reproduce as young as two years of age.[14]
While males consistently reach sexual maturity at small sizes, that size is larger and more variable in females. Some may reach maturity at a plastron length of 24 cm, and others may not mature until they reach a length closer to 30 cm. The onset of sexual maturity will occur anywhere from 5 – 8 years of age. The female nesting season can range anywhere from early April to early August, and incubation lasts an average of 60 – 90 days. In a study examining female reproduction, almost 10% of the females examined in a single breeding season showed signs of inactive ovaries, implying that, unlike males, females may not possess the ability to reproduce every year. Florida softshell females have the ability to produce an average of 4 – 5 egg clutches in a single breeding season, potentially producing a new clutch every three weeks. Florida softshell turtles have one of the highest annual egg production rates of any reptile. The study previously mentioned showed an average of over 20 eggs per clutch, with the largest clutch containing 38 eggs.[7][4]
With a primarily carnivorous diet, adult Florida softshell turtles function as major predators in their aquatic ecosystems. Sitting high on the trophic scale, they generally function as secondary or tertiary consumers.[15] However, alligators have been known to prey on the adults of the Florida softshell turtle, and raptors may take juveniles. Nest predators include the fish crow, foxes, raccoons, skunks, and river otters.[1][16] At various lakes across the state of Florida (Okeechobee, Apopka, Griffin, and Jesup) scientists have observed Florida softshell females, as well as other turtle species (Pseudemys nelsoni, Kinosternon sp., and Sternotherus odoratus) laying their eggs in American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) nests during the summer months. While the turtles may utilize vacant nests more often, they have also been known to lay eggs in occupied alligator nests. They use these nests more often in areas with limited nesting habitats and/or during years with heavier precipitation when high water levels and flooding further reduce the number of suitable nesting sites.[17] Despite the Florida softshell's use of alligator nests, studies have shown the highest abundance of Florida softshell turtles to persist in lakes with little to no alligators as well as high primary productivity, suggesting a combination of top-down and bottom-up influences on Florida softshell turtle populations.[18]
The Florida softshell turtle is common throughout Florida and other parts of its range. However, wild populations are subject to various threats at the hands of humans. Some of these threats include commercial harvesting for meat, harvesting for the pet trade, and roadway mortalities.[19][20]
The Florida softshell turtle is carnivorous with its main diet consisting of small snails and fishes. It also preys upon amphibians, insects, mollusks, and some waterfowl. The Florida softshell turtle will hunt, chase, and scavenge for prey.[5]
The Florida softshell turtle (Apalone ferox) is a species of turtle in the family Trionychidae. The species is native to the Southeastern United States.
La tortuga de caparazón blando de Florida (Apalone ferox) es una especie de trioníquido nativo del sureste de los Estados Unidos.
Es una tortuga acuática de agua dulce, con caparazón blando. Esta especie tiene el caparazón de color marrón y oliva o negro, con unos dibujos muy llamativos de color naranja o amarillo de distintas tonalidades. El borde del caparazón está reseguido por una fina raya naranja o amarilla. Tiene un cuerpo muy plano, que le sirve para nadar mejor y con menos esfuerzo. Su cabeza y sus patas son verde oliva,aunque a veces también negras, con rayas y manchas naranjas y/o amarillas. Las patas están muy palmeadas. Tienen una característica nariz en forma de trompa, que junto con su largo cuello les permite respirar sin tener que moverse del fondo del acuario. El plastrón es de color blanco, sin manchas. Son unos animales muy tranquilos, que permanecen la mayor parte del tiempo en el fondo del acuario, excepto cuando van de caza. No acostumbran a salir a tomar el sol. Sólo saldrán a la zona terrestre para realizar su puesta y poco más. Son animales muy agresivos. Se deberán coger con mucho cuidado, preferentemente con guantes de jardinería, ya que al tener un cuello tan largo siempre llegan a poder morderte. Son también unas grandes cazadoras. Gracias a su velocidad en el agua y a su largo cuello, persiguen a los peces hasta darles caza. Son bastante tímidas, y ante el mínimo movimiento irán hasta el fondo del acuario y se enterrarán en la arena. Con el tiempo van perdiendo esta timidez.No es fácil diferenciar ambos sexos. Los machos suelen ser algo más pequeños que las hembras. Los ejemplares adultos pueden llegar a alcanzar hasta los 45 cm de largo.
Vive en Florida, Georgia, Alabama y Carolina del Sur. Vive en aguas tranquilas con vegetación, y prefiere las zonas fangosas.
Para tener adecuadamente esta especie se debe poseer un gran acuaterrario, con 4/5 partes de agua. El fondo puede ser de arena, con un grosor de unos 8 cm, para que se puedan enterrar. La temperatura ideal ronda los 22 °C. Los ejemplares adultos pueden hibernar sin problemas. Se recomienda poner 2 gramos de sal por cada litro de agua para evitar enfermedades como los hongos. Pueden tener varios ejemplares juntos, pero solo si el acuaterrario es muy espacioso, ya que estos animales son muy agresivos entre sí. Los ejemplares adultos pueden vivir sin problemas al aire libre, en un estanque con el fondo lodoso. Si se elige esta opción, será bastante difícil poder observar a las tortugas, ya que pasan casi todo el día en el agua, y son bastante asustadizas. No se deben colocar en el acuario elementos cortantes, como rocas rugosas y troncos, ya que podrían lesionar gravemente sus caparazones.
Su alimentación es casi totalmente carnívora, suele preferir presas vivas: peces, moluscos, insectos,ratones,corazón de ternera, ranas y otros anfibios que captura, no pasa muy a menudo pero puede ingerir algas o plantas. Se debe intentar acostumbrarla a comer animales muertos. Es recomendable darle de vez en cuando presas vivas. Tanto en presas vivas como muertas, se debe variar lo máximo posible.
Deposita sus huevos en tierra firme, única ocasión en que sale del agua.No son fáciles de reproducir en cautividad. Si se quiere lograr, se deberá tener el macho separado de la hembra, y se juntarán algunas veces para que puedan copular. La hembra deberá tener un acuario con una parte de tierra seca con más de 25 cm de profundidad, donde hará entre una y dos puestas de 5 a 25 huevos. Incubados a 26-27 °C y con bastante humedad, las crías eclosionarán en unos 3 meses.
Nunca se deben liberar animales que se puedan reproducir en los ríos o lagunas, ya que causarían problemas medioambientales.
La tortuga de caparazón blando de Florida (Apalone ferox) es una especie de trioníquido nativo del sureste de los Estados Unidos.
Apalone ferox Apalone generoko animalia da. Narrastien barruko Trionychidae familian sailkatuta dago.
Apalone ferox Apalone generoko animalia da. Narrastien barruko Trionychidae familian sailkatuta dago.
Tortue à carapace molle
Apalone ferox est une espèce de tortues de la famille des Trionychidae[1]. On l'appelle également Tortue à carapace molle. Elle est parfois classée dans le genre Trionyx sous le nom de Trionyx Ferox.
Cette espèce est endémique des États-Unis. Elle se rencontre dans les États d'Alabama, de Floride, de Géorgie et de Caroline du Sud[1].
Cette tortue est marron sombre ou olive, et blanc-crème en dessous. Elles ont un long cou, avec une tête allongée. Les petits sont vert-jaune avec des points gris, et souvent des marques jaunes et orange sur la tête.
Elles sont aquatiques et apprécient les eaux calmes, et ne sortent en général que pour pondre. Elles sont carnivores et se nourrissent de poissons, escargots, insectes et autres amphibiens.
En captivité, elles peuvent vivre jusqu'à 30 ans.
Tortue à carapace molle
Apalone ferox est une espèce de tortues de la famille des Trionychidae. On l'appelle également Tortue à carapace molle. Elle est parfois classée dans le genre Trionyx sous le nom de Trionyx Ferox.
La tartaruga dal guscio molle della Florida (Apalone ferox Schneider, 1783) è una tartaruga della famiglia dei Trionichidi originaria degli Stati Uniti orientali, prevalentemente della Florida, ma anche delle regioni meridionali di Carolina del Sud, Georgia e Alabama[2]. È largamente diffusa come animale da compagnia. Alcuni esemplari sono stati rilasciati in zone ben distanti dall'areale della specie, ma sono riusciti ad ambientarsi solo quelli introdotti in habitat simili a quello originario[3]. In passato questa specie veniva classificata nel genere Trionyx[4].
La tartaruga dal guscio molle della Florida ha generalmente un carapace coriaceo di colore variabile dal marrone scuro al verde oliva, bianco o color crema sulle regioni inferiori[5], che offre una valida protezione contro l'attacco di vari predatori[6]. Ha collo lungo e testa parimenti allungata, con un lungo naso simile ad un boccaglio. Gli esemplari giovani sono ricoperti da macchie scure che si schiariscono con l'età. Può raggiungere notevoli dimensioni e, con i suoi 15–76 cm di lunghezza, è la specie più grande del genere Apalone. I maschi, più piccoli delle femmine, misurano circa 35 cm. I giovani, di color giallo-oliva, presentano macchie scure e una striscia gialla ai margini del carapace. Hanno inoltre macchie gialle e arancioni sulla testa e il piastrone grigio. Questi disegni scompaiono con l'età, sebbene gli adulti rechino talvolta loro tracce[5].
La tartaruga dal guscio molle della Florida è una creatura quasi interamente acquatica, che emerge generalmente dall'acqua solo per scaldarsi al sole o deporre le uova[5]. Predilige le acque calme e si incontra di solito in stagni, torrenti, fiumi, laghi e paludi. Si mostra quasi sempre timorosa nei confronti dell'uomo, ma se si sente minacciata può assestare feroci morsi con le sue robuste mascelle[3]. Come tutti i Trionichidi si muove velocemente sia in acqua che sulla terraferma[5]. In natura può vivere oltre i 20 anni, in cattività la durata massima è stata registrata nel National Zoological Park (Washington D.C.) dove un esemplare ha vissuto per 36 anni ed 8 mesi.
Ha una dieta quasi esclusivamente carnivora e si nutre di pesci, rane e altri anfibi, insetti, anatroccoli e crostacei.
La tartaruga dal guscio molle della Florida (Apalone ferox Schneider, 1783) è una tartaruga della famiglia dei Trionichidi originaria degli Stati Uniti orientali, prevalentemente della Florida, ma anche delle regioni meridionali di Carolina del Sud, Georgia e Alabama. È largamente diffusa come animale da compagnia. Alcuni esemplari sono stati rilasciati in zone ben distanti dall'areale della specie, ma sono riusciti ad ambientarsi solo quelli introdotti in habitat simili a quello originario. In passato questa specie veniva classificata nel genere Trionyx.
De woeste drieklauw[2] (Apalone ferox) is een middelgrote schildpad uit de familie weekschildpadden (Trionychidae). De soort werd voor het eerst wetenschappelijk beschreven door Johann Gottlob Schneider in 1783. Lange tijd was de wetenschappelijke naam Trionyx ferox, deze naam wordt nog wel gebruikt.
De woeste drieklauw komt voor in de Verenigde Staten: in de staten South Carolina, Georgia, Florida en Alabama.[3]
Het schild of carapax kan tot 60 centimeter lang worden.[4] De schildkleur varieert van bruin tot zwart en de buikzijde van lichtbruin tot geel. Het schild is zoals alle soorten weekschildpadden zeer zacht en leer-achtig zonder hoornplaten. Het dier is verder ook beter aangepast aan het leven onder water dan veel andere schildpadden. Zo heeft deze soort brede poten met zwemvliezen, een plat gestroomlijnd schild en een spitse snuit met een lange neuspunt zodat hij kan ademhalen terwijl hij verder helemaal onder water zit. De klauwen zijn sterk en scherp en ook de kaken zijn goed ontwikkeld. De soort lijkt sterk op de in Afrika levende Afrikaanse drieklauw (Trionyx triunguis), maar deze laatste soort wordt groter.
Net zoals bij de meeste weekschildpadden, maken de scherpe klauwen, wendbare kop met lange nek en krachtige kaken het lastig en gevaarlijk om de schildpad te hanteren. Bovendien voelen deze schuwe dieren zich snel bedreigd en ze reageren dan zeer agressief. Aan deze eigenschap danken ze ook hun naam ferox (Latijn: onstuimig, woest).
De woeste drieklauw komt voor in verschillende zoet watermilieus, variërend van beekjes en rivieren tot meren en modderpoelen. Door het zachte schild is de schildpad op het land zeer kwetsbaar en ze komen dan ook alleen het water uit om te zonnen, eieren te leggen of als een rivier opdroogt. De weekschildpad is een schuw dier dat de meeste tijd onder een laag zand in het water doorbrengt en daar wacht op voorbij komende prooien. Het dier kan verbazend snel door modder en zanderige rivierbodems graven. Ook in water en op land verplaatst de woeste drieklauw zich met grote snelheid, net als andere weekschilpadsoorten. Het voedsel bestaat uit kreeftachtigen, vissen, amfibieën en weekdieren en soms ook watervogels die met de kaken en poten uit elkaar worden gescheurd. Af en toe eten ze ook planten en aas.
Door zijn grootte, karakter en wendbaarheid en door zijn specifieke wensen op het gebied van huisvesting is deze schuwe schildpad minder geschikt om te houden als huisdier.
Er worden twee ondersoorten erkend, die verschillen in het uiterlijk en het verspreidingsgebied.
Apalone ferox met de lange nek helemaal uitgestrekt
Kop met de lange neuspunt
Juveniel
Tekening
De woeste drieklauw (Apalone ferox) is een middelgrote schildpad uit de familie weekschildpadden (Trionychidae). De soort werd voor het eerst wetenschappelijk beschreven door Johann Gottlob Schneider in 1783. Lange tijd was de wetenschappelijke naam Trionyx ferox, deze naam wordt nog wel gebruikt.
De woeste drieklauw komt voor in de Verenigde Staten: in de staten South Carolina, Georgia, Florida en Alabama.
Żółwiak drapieżny, żółwiak florydyjski[3] (Apalone ferox) – gatunek gada z podrzędu żółwi skrytoszyjnych z rodziny żółwiaków. To jeden z największych słodkowodnych żółwi Ameryki Północnej.
Żółwiak drapieżny, żółwiak florydyjski (Apalone ferox) – gatunek gada z podrzędu żółwi skrytoszyjnych z rodziny żółwiaków. To jeden z największych słodkowodnych żółwi Ameryki Północnej.
Opis Karapaks mocno spłaszczony pokryty gładką i miękką skórą Rozmiary Długość karapaksu do 50 cmApalone ferox ou tartaruga-americana-de-casco-mole é uma espécie de tartaruga de água doce pertencente ao gênero Apalone, família Trionychidae. Esse animal vive no leste dos Estados Unidos da América, habitando os estados da Flórida, Carolina do Sul, Georgia e Alabama.[2][3]
São animais quase inteiramente aquáticos, saindo da água para botar seus ovos.[4] Tem hábitos carnívoros, alimentando-se de animais aquáticos tais como peixes, moluscos e rãs.[1]
Apalone ferox ou tartaruga-americana-de-casco-mole é uma espécie de tartaruga de água doce pertencente ao gênero Apalone, família Trionychidae. Esse animal vive no leste dos Estados Unidos da América, habitando os estados da Flórida, Carolina do Sul, Georgia e Alabama.
São animais quase inteiramente aquáticos, saindo da água para botar seus ovos. Tem hábitos carnívoros, alimentando-se de animais aquáticos tais como peixes, moluscos e rãs.
Kožnatka floridská (lat. Apalone ferox) je druh korytnačky z čeľade mäkkuľovité (Trionychidae). Má dĺžku panciera do 60 cm. Jej sfarbenie je olivové alebo hnedé. Žije na juhovýchode Spojených štátov amerických, hlavne na Floride. Je všežravá, ale dáva prednosť mäsu.
Commons ponúka multimediálne súbory na tému Kožnatka floridská
Kožnatka floridská (lat. Apalone ferox) je druh korytnačky z čeľade mäkkuľovité (Trionychidae). Má dĺžku panciera do 60 cm. Jej sfarbenie je olivové alebo hnedé. Žije na juhovýchode Spojených štátov amerických, hlavne na Floride. Je všežravá, ale dáva prednosť mäsu.
Apalone ferox är en sköldpadda i familjen lädersköldpaddor som förekommer i USA. Arten lever huvudsakligen i delstaten Florida men den finns även i de södra delarna av Alabama, Georgia och South Carolina[1]. Habitatet utgörs av långsam flytande floder samt av regioner med bräckt vatten. Sköldpaddan är i USA vanlig som sällskapsdjur och ibland hittas frisläppta individer i andra delar av USA. Trots allt har de inte etablerad sig utanför sitt ursprungliga habitat[2].
Djurets tillplattade och ovala sköld har en brun färg. Buken är vitaktig eller krämfärgade[3] och sköldpaddans nos liknar en snabel. Läpparna är köttiga och från ögonen till nosen går en gul markering som har formen av ett Y. På den långa halsen och huvudets sidor finns gula streck. Vid alla extremiteter finns tre kraftiga klor. Sköldpaddan når en längd av cirka 45 centimeter och honor är större än hanar.
Arten är köttätare och livnär sig av fiskar, snäckor, insekter, groddjur och unga andfåglar. Sköldpaddan är allmänt skygg gentemot människor men när den känner sig hotade kan den bita med sina kraftiga käkar[2]. Vissa individer i fångenskap blev 30 år gamla men i naturen är livslängden kortare.
Wikimedia Commons har media som rör Apalone ferox.
Apalone ferox är en sköldpadda i familjen lädersköldpaddor som förekommer i USA. Arten lever huvudsakligen i delstaten Florida men den finns även i de södra delarna av Alabama, Georgia och South Carolina. Habitatet utgörs av långsam flytande floder samt av regioner med bräckt vatten. Sköldpaddan är i USA vanlig som sällskapsdjur och ibland hittas frisläppta individer i andra delar av USA. Trots allt har de inte etablerad sig utanför sitt ursprungliga habitat.
Загальна довжина панцира досягає 45 см, ваги 20 кг. Деякі особини досягають й 43 кг. Спостерігається статевий диморфізм: самиці значно більші за самців. Голова товста та широка. Ніс витягнутий на кшталт труби. Шия доволі довга. У старих особин жують поверхні щелеп стають пласкими і широкими. Панцир майже пласки, на якому є багато шипуватих горбиків. Лапи наділені плавальними перетинки.
Колір карапаксу коливається від темно—коричневого до оливково—зеленого, пластрон має білувате або кремове забарвлення.
Водиться у річках, нерідко зустрічається у солонуватих водах річкових естуаріїв. Практично усе життя проводить у воді. Харчується рибою, молюсками, земноводними, ракоподібними, водяними комахами. Має погану вдачу, за що й отримав свою назву.
Самиця у ямку неподалік від води відкладає від 2 до 14 яєць, вкрай рідко 25. Інкубаційний період 3 місяця.
Мешкає у штатах США: Південна Кароліна, Джорджія, Флорида, Алабама.
Apalone ferox là một loài rùa trong họ Trionychidae. Loài này được Schneider mô tả khoa học đầu tiên năm 1783.[3] Đây là loài bản địa của Đông Nam Hoa Kỳ.
Nó được tìm thấy chủ yếu ở bang Florida, nhưng nó cũng dao động với phần phía nam của South Carolina, Georgia và Alabama.
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Apalone ferox là một loài rùa trong họ Trionychidae. Loài này được Schneider mô tả khoa học đầu tiên năm 1783. Đây là loài bản địa của Đông Nam Hoa Kỳ.
珍珠鱉（学名：Apalone ferox，英语：Florida softshell turtle）亦稱佛羅里達鱉，为鱉科滑鱉屬下的一个种。
主要分佈於美國佛羅里達州，也見於佐治亞州、南卡羅來納州和阿拉巴馬州。[3]
珍珠鱉背殼呈深褐色到橄欖綠色，革製背殼下部為白色，[4] 用以隱藏自身躲避天敵。[5] 珍珠鱉有很長的脖頸和頭部，鼻子類似浮潛呼吸器。是滑鱉屬最大的物種，長度可達15～76厘米（5.9～29.9英寸）。[4] 雌性個體比雄性大，雄性一般長約35厘米（14英寸）。雌性一般長約60cm，重達20公斤（44英磅），最高紀錄是43.5公斤（96英磅）。[1] 幼年體呈橄欖黃色，有灰色斑點和黃色條紋，頭部也有黃色紋路，腹甲為灰色。成年之後消失。[4]
珍珠龜是一種完全的水生鱉，只有在曬太陽和產卵是會離開水面。[4] 不過無論是水中還是陸地上，其移動速度都很快。[4] 珍珠龜是食肉動物(主食魚類、兩棲類、昆虫類、甲殻類、貝類)，有時也食腐，飼養時也食用人工飼料。[1]
繁殖形態為卵生，在水邊地面挖洞，一次產2-14枚卵。
短吻鱷是這種鱉的天敵，一些鳥類則會捕捉其幼年體。其他天敵還包括狐狸、浣熊和臭鼬。[1]
フロリダスッポン（福落里得鼈、学名：Apalone ferox）は、スッポン科アメリカスッポン属に分類されるカメ。要注意外来生物。
アメリカ合衆国（サウスカロライナ州、ジョージア州、フロリダ州）固有種
最大甲長60cmとアメリカスッポン属最大種。オスよりもメスの方が大型になり、オスは最大でも甲長33cm程。背甲前縁部に疣状の突起がある。色彩は灰色や褐色、暗緑色。
幼体の背甲や皮膚は黒褐色で、背甲には赤やオレンジ色に縁取られた黒褐色の模様が入る。また頭部には眼後部から下顎にかけて黄色い筋模様が入るが、これらの斑紋は成長に伴い消失する。
底質が砂や泥の河川、湖、池沼、湿地等に生息する。底質に潜り頭部だけ出していることが多い。
食性は動物食傾向の強い雑食で、魚類、両生類、昆虫類、甲殻類、貝類等を食べる。主に無脊椎動物を捕食する。
繁殖形態は卵生で、水辺の地面に穴を掘って1回に2-14個の卵を産む。
ペット用として飼育されることもあり、日本にも輸入されている。主に飼育下で大量に養殖された幼体が流通する。 アクアリウムで飼育される。床材に細かい砂を敷き潜れる様にするが、厚く敷いた砂は排泄物等が溜まりやすく水質が悪化しやすいためこまめにメンテナンスを行う。日光浴も行うため、陸場も設ける。大型で頸部が長いため噛みつかれない様に注意が必要。主に幼体が流通するがオスでも比較的大型になるため、大型のケージが用意できない限り一般家庭での飼育には向かない。大型になることや、温帯に分布することから属単位で要注意外来生物に指定されている。
この項目は、動物に関連した書きかけの項目です。この項目を加筆・訂正などしてくださる協力者を求めています（Portal:生き物と自然／プロジェクト:生物）。 
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