Western Spiny Softshell Turtle
Apalone spinifera spinifera
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- A. s. spinifera – stock photo
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- Map by Steve Bledsoe, SWFHA
DISTRIBUTION: In our region, Apalone s. spinifera occurs in northern Texas and northeastern New Mexico.
LEGAL STATUS: No Listings
MEANING OF SCIENTIFIC NAME: Apalone spinifera guadalupensis (Webb – 1962)
Genus: Apalone, Greek – apalos = soft, tender – ref. soft shell
Species/Subspecies: spinifera, Latin – spina = thorn or spine + ifera = bearing – ref. spine-like tubercules along front edge of upper shell
Ref. Ellen Beltz 2006
Ref. E. Jaeger 1962