Midland Smooth Softshell Apalone mutica mutica
Identification
This species has a smooth round shell lacking scutes and a long snorkel like snout. Its coloration is pale with small dark spots.
Location
Uncommon in Ohio
Size
5 to 14 inches
Diet
It feeds on aquatic insects fish and small invertebrates.
Habitat
It occurs mainly in the Ohio River and its major tributaries.
Activity Period
May to September
Behavior
It is highly aquatic and prefers large rivers with sandy substrates. It is fast and agile in water. It is most active in warm months.
Lifecycle
Breeding occurs in spring and females lay eggs in sandy banks.
Population
The population is stable but sensitive to water quality.
History
It has historically been limited to large river systems.
Human Interactions
It avoids humans and is rarely handled.
Facts
It is one of the fastest swimming turtles in Ohio.
Sources
ODNR academic sources
Aquatic insects fish small invertebrates | Large rivers sandy bottoms | Ohio River basin