Apalone sp.

Softshelled Turtles

Softshells bones lack the sulci (grooves created by scutes) present in the bones of other turtles. Instead they have a "peanutshell" pattern. This makes it easy to identify softshell material to the family level. In Florida all material found should belong to the genus Apalone.

Nuchal bone exterior view.

Nuchal bone interior view.

Close up of bone fragment showing "peanutshell" pattern. Softshell Turtles lack the keratinous scutes of other turtles, which leave sulci in the bones. Instead of scutes, softshells have a layer of tough leathery skin covering their bones.