Atlas of Reptiles in Tennessee - Austin Peay State University
Illinois Natural History Survey - University of Illinois
Iowa Reptiles & Amphibians - Jeff LeClere
Turtles of the World - Carl Ernst, Ruud Altenburg, & Roger Barbour
Wikipedia
Florida Turtles & Tortoises - Eric Holt
Wisconsin Dept. of Natural Resources
The Smooth Softshell is very similar to the more common and widespread Spiny Softshell (A. spinifera). The most notable difference is that the Spiny Softshell has little spines at the front of the carapace (the upper shell).These guys are mostly found around Reelfoot Lake and along the northern half of the Tennessee River in West TN. There are also a couple random records from Pickett & Davidson counties.
I've never seen one of these in the wild. (In fact, the only wild softshell I've ever seen was a species that doesn't live in Tennessee.) Rumor has it that they pack a pretty nasty bite, so be careful if you ever come across one :-)
Photos by Todd Pierson (top) & Floyd Scott (bottom)
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