Turtles are remarkable creatures that have existed on our planet for over 200 million years. While most people are familiar with smooth-shelled turtles, some species have evolved to develop spikes on their shells and bodies. These spikes likely help protect the turtles from predators and other threats in their environments. In this article, we’ll explore 7 fascinating turtles that have spike adaptations and what makes them so unique.
1. Alligator Snapping Turtle
The alligator snapping turtle (Macrochelys temminckii) is the largest freshwater turtle in North America and gets its name from the spike-studded, alligator-like appearance of its shell. This prehistoric-looking turtle has three rows of prominent spikes running down the carapace along with a spiked tail. The spikes are sharpest on younger turtles and tend to flatten over time.
Alligator snappers have a reputation for being aggressive thanks to their incredibly powerful jaws that can snap off fingers and toes. However, they are opportunistic feeders that eat anything from fish and frogs to snakes and even other turtles. These ancient beasts can live 80 years or more in the wild.
2. Spiny Softshell Turtle
The spiny softshell turtle (Apalone spinifera) lives in freshwater habitats across much of North America As its name suggests, this turtle has a smooth, leathery shell However, young spiny softshells have circular rows of spikes along the outer edges of the carapace to help deter predators. The spikes fade as the turtle matures.
Spiny softshells are very aquatic and have webbed feet that make them excellent swimmers. They can be found resting on the bottoms of lakes and rivers waiting to ambush small fish and aquatic invertebrates passing by. Their unique flat shells allow them to maneuver easily along the bottom.
3. Suwannee Snapping Turtle
Closely related to the alligator snapping turtle, the Suwannee snapping turtle (Macrochelys suwanniensis) is found only in the Suwannee River basin of Georgia and Florida. It has the same prehistoric appearance but with three rows of shorter spikes running along its shell
Suwannee snappers specialize in ambushing catfish and other bottom-dwelling prey in river channels. They can sit perfectly still with mouths agape to attract curious fish. While their populations remain relatively stable, habitat loss and collection for the pet trade are ongoing threats.
4. Spiny Turtle
The spiny turtle (Heosemys spinosa) is a small-to-medium-sized turtle found in Malaysia, Indonesia, and Brunei. Juveniles have conical spikes protruding from the margins of their olive green shells. These spines help protect the young turtles from predators like monitor lizards and fish. As spiny turtles mature, the spines gradually wear down and the shell takes on a pitted appearance.
Spiny turtles inhabit slow-moving lakes, ponds, and streams. They are omnivorous, feeding on plants, insects, worms, and amphibians. The International Union for Conservation of Nature lists this species as endangered due to habitat destruction and over-collection.
5. Matamata
The Matamata (Chelus fimbriatus) is a bizarre-looking freshwater turtle found in parts of South America. It has a large, triangular-shaped carapace covered in conical spikes and ridges that help it blend in with leaf litter at the bottom of shallow streams. The Matamata’s flattened head is specially adapted for creating suction to vacuum up invertebrates and small fish.
Due to its cryptic appearance and habits, the Matamata was long overlooked by scientists and wasn’t officially described until the mid-1800s. While not currently threatened, habitat degradation puts wild populations at future risk.
6. Reeves’ Turtle
Reeves’ turtle (Chinemys reevesii) is a semi-aquatic turtle native to China and Taiwan. Juveniles feature rows of spiky fringe on the outer edges of the olive-green shell, which likely helps camouflage them among vegetation near ponds and marshes. As Reeves’ turtles mature, the spines gradually wear down.
Reeves’ turtles are popular in the pet trade but also threatened by over-collection and habitat loss. They are omnivorous and feed on plants, insects, worms, and fish. With proper care, they can live 25 years or more in captivity.
7. Texas Tortoise
The Texas tortoise (Gopherus berlandieri) inhabits arid scrublands and thorn-forest habitats in southern Texas and northeastern Mexico. Its domed, brown carapace features enlarged, thorn-like scales around the margins that likely help provide protection against predators. The scales are especially prominent on the hindquarters.
This medium-sized tortoise excavates burrows to escape the desert heat. It emerges after summer rains to eat cacti, grasses, berries, and other vegetation. The Texas tortoise is at risk from habitat destruction and illegal collection for the pet trade. Its populations are classified as threatened.
Conclusion
The turtle species covered here demonstrate how spikes can be an effective adaptation for defense, camouflage, and avoiding predation – especially in young turtles. Unfortunately, many spiked turtles face increasing threats from habitat loss, over-collection, and the pet trade. Protecting them requires a focus on habitat conservation as well as regulated and sustainable collection practices when warranted. Learning more about these unique creatures can hopefully inspire us to ensure their survival.
Current Status and Protection
Learn more about reptile and amphibian conservation and what you can do to help these species on our Reptile and Amphibian Stewardship page.
Huge Alligator Snapping Turtle! #american #alligatorsnappingturtle #reptile #zoo #livingthedream
FAQ
What kind of turtle has spikes?
The spiny softshell turtle is one of the largest freshwater turtle species in North America. They can be distinguished from other turtle species by their carapace. Unlike most other turtles, their shell is soft, flat, and rubbery. The edges of the carapace are pliable with small spines (males have more than females).
Why should barnacles be removed from turtles?
Poor removal will cause damage to the turtle’s skin and shell which can lead to infection.
What are the spiky turtles called?
Spiny turtles (Heosemys spinosa) are so named because juveniles sport some seriously sharp scutes, or spines, on their shells to deter predators.
Are eastern box turtles poisonous?
Part of the box turtle’s diet is poisonous mushrooms which don’t hurt the turtles, but can kill people! The toxins accumulate in the turtle’s body and if you eat the turtle, it can be deadly. In the northern regions, they go into a period of dormancy called brumation in October or November.
Do turtles have spiky shells?
The spikes, found in turtle species like leatherbacks, loggerheads, and green sea turtles, are called papillae. Artist and biologist Helen Kairo, who runs the Anatomika Science Instagram account and website, drew some illustrations to explain why they have them. What kind of turtle has a spiky shell?
Do turtles have spikes?
Turtles can have spikes on their carapace or on their necks. Both variants are still visible in the wilderness today. Protected in The United States, turtles have spikes as a means of defense. These spikes can be rounded and dull out with age or they can be pointy. Some of the following turtles even have fin-like spikes and rows of multiple spikes.
Do alligator snapping turtles have spikes?
Alligator snapping turtles look prehistoric, almost dinosaur-like, with primitive faces and large spikes on their shells. Common snapping turtles, on the other hand, have smooth shells. Alligator snapping turtles can also be quite a bit larger, with males weighing between 175 pounds and 220 pounds. What turtles have spikes?
Why do Chinese soft shell turtles have spikes?
The spikes deter predators from attacking young turtles, but they also act as a form of camouflage, disguising the turtle as leaf litter. The brown color also helps to mimic leaves. The Chinese soft-shelled turtle excretes urine from its mouth. This is a unique process that hasn’t been observed before in any other animal.
Why are spiny turtles declining?
Like many turtle species, the spiny turtle is hunted for food, and because of this and habitat loss, its numbers have plummeted in recent years. The turtle’s shell is cog-shaped, with a set of spikes around the edge. In younger specimens, these spikes are sharper, but they become more rounded with age.
What is a black-knobbed map turtle?
The black-knobbed map turtle — Graptemys nigrinoda —is a small, aquatic turtle found in the freshwater rivers of Mississippi and Alabama. The most prominent features of this turtle are the several spikes on its shell, which become less pronounced in older turtles.