Spiny Softshell Turtle
Apalone spinifera
Non-native
Description: Brown, tan, olive, or yellow-brown in color with a flattened, leathery shell. The plastron and underside of the body are cream or yellow in color. The feet are large and webbed. The neck is long. The nose is elongated and snorkel-like. Juveniles can have spotted shells that fade with age. This species is highly aquatic.
Size: A large-sized turtle with an average shell length of 14 to 16 inches. Females are about twice as large as males.
Range and Habitat: This turtle has been introduced in Southern Washington County along the Virgin River, Santa Clara River, and surrounding water sources. It inhabits slow-moving waterways with sandy substrate. This turtle will often burrow into the sandy bottoms of rivers.
Similar Species: This distinct species is not easily confused with any other turtle in Utah.
The Reptiles and Amphibians of Utah 