Scientific Name: Apalone mutica mutica
Size: 6-13.4 inches (15-34 cm) in length
PA Status: Expedited (Only two records ever recorded)
PAHERP Resource: Have you seen me? Midland Smooth Softshell Turtle

Habitat Type:
Large rivers.

Colorations:

• The carapace background color is tan to olive-brown to brown and patterned dark dots and short streaks or dashes.
• The carapace may have a light marginal band that is bordered on the inside by a thin dark line.
• The plaston immaculate white to greyish white.
• The dorsal surface of the appendages are greenish orange to olive-green, with the venter ranging from white to grey.
• A white line that is bordered by a thin black line extends from behind the eye to the neck region.

Characteristics:

• Large sized aquatic species.
• Profile View – The carapace is extremely low.
• Above View – The carapace is round to oblong in outline.
• The plastron is slightly reduced and is smooth, and leathery.
• The carapace is leathery and smooth.
• The feet are strongly webbed.
• The neck is very long.
• The head is long, narrow and terminates in to a sharp pointed snout.
• The nostrils are round in outline, and the septum separating them is smooth and lacks ridges.

Confused with:

• Spiny Softshell

Coloration/Pattern Photos:
Adults

Juvenile

Range Map:

References:

• Hulse, C. and McCoy C. J. and Ellen Censky ,1998. Amphibians and Reptiles of Pennsylvania and the Northeast. 238-241pp.

Photo Credits:

• Tom Diez