Trionyx Turtle Skull Replica

$86.00

Trionyx is a genus of softshell turtles belonging to the family Trionychidae. Cretaceous Hell Creek. Montana.

Description

Trionyx Turtle Skull Replica measures 6.1 inches. Trionyx Turtle Skull Replica is museum quality polyurethane resin cast. Made in USA. 2-part skull (separate cranium and jaw). Our precise skull can be used as a teaching tool, museum skull exhibit, home décor skull, or office décor skull.

The Trionyx turtle or Apalone spinifera is a species of softshell turtle, one of the largest freshwater turtle species in North America.

Both the common name, spiny softshell, and the specific name, spinifera (spine-bearing), refer to the spiny, cone-like projections on the leading edge of the carapace, which are not scutes (scales).

The Trionyx turtle or Apalone spinifera scientific name is very descriptive of the animal. Apalone comes from the Greek word apalos, meaning soft or tender, and spinifera is of Latin origin; spina- referring to thorn or spine and -ifer meaning bearing.

The Trionyx turtle or Apalone spinifera is a member of the family Trionychidae, and one of the most distinguishing features of members in this family is the presence of a leathery, moderately flexible carapace. This is caused by loss of keratinized scutes and some bony tissue loss. Spiny softshell turtles have webbed feet, each with three claws.

Another distinguishing feature of softshell turtles is the presence of a fleshy, elongated nose.

The carapace of the Trionyx turtle or Apalone spinifera (the upper part of the shell) ranges from brown or yellow-brown to olive in color, while the plastron (lower part of the shell) is lighter, usually white or yellow.

Hatchlings usually have dark spots on the carapace, but as females age, they frequently become darker in color, or their carapace becomes splotched. Males tend to maintain the same coloration pattern from birth.

Coloration also varies between each subspecies, and the exact coloration can also depend on an individual turtle’s environment. Spiny softshell turtles are cryptically colored, meaning that their coloration helps them blend in with their surrounding environment.

Trionyx turtle or Apalone spinifera also have pale lines bordered by black lines running from its head down the side of its neck. The carapace length ranges from 18-54 cm, with females growing larger than males.

The namesake spines are found along the anterior border of the carapace and are more commonly found in males. The variation in coloration, size, and spine presence indicates that this species exhibits sexual dimorphism.

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Additional information

Weight 3 lbs
Dimensions 6.1 in