gtsalmon's Identifications

I found this dried turtle carcass along the bank of Independence Creek, and it took me some time to realize what it was. Notice the distinctive long lateral scutes and the dried loose flaps of skin around the margins of the animal. Note: The Smooth Softshell apparently does not occur in the Trans-Pecos of Texas.

DoR, unfortunately this specimen was indeliberately hit in my driveway by an associate. I work hard to create a safe environment for my local herpetofauna, and am always happy to find a new individual hanging around. Pretty bummed about this one but have tried to make the most of the find, I’m considering attempting some form of dissection to see if I can gain further information on possible dietary habits of the local population.

Nice defensive lass, would not let go until body made contact with ground for a few seconds. Successful opisthoglyphous envenomation, very slight swelling and initially very minor bleeding. Bite mark darkened a bit after about 24hrs and is now nearly invisible.