Wattle-necked Softshell Turtle
Palea steindachneri
A large turtle (up to 17.5 inches) with a soft, leathery shell that's usually olive or brown in color with minimal or no markings. It has large, wide, webbed feet, and a…
How to identify
A large turtle (up to 17.5 inches) with a soft, leathery shell that's usually olive or brown in color with minimal or no markings. It has large, wide, webbed feet, and a pointed face with projecting, snorkel-like nostrils. It has lots of extra wrinkly skin around its neck when it retracts its head partially into its shell.
Range
Native to southeast Asia, but introduced to the island of Kauai, Hawaii.
Habitat
They live in and around slow-moving fresh water, such as lakes, ponds, streams, and marshes.
Variations
Some individuals have black splotchy markings on their shell.
Similar species
Looks very similar to the Chinese softshell turtle (*Pelodiscus sinensis*).
Name and etymology
Genus
Palea
Latin for chaffy scales.
Origin
Sources
- Wikipedia: Palea steindachneri ↗
“Palea steindachneri.” Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wattle-necked_softshell_turtle
Species epithet
steindachneri
Honoring Franz Steindachner.
Origin
Honors
Sources
- Wikipedia: Palea steindachneri ↗
“Palea steindachneri.” Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wattle-necked_softshell_turtle
Explore more names in the etymology index.
At a glance
Range
Native to southeast Asia, but introduced to the island of Kauai, Hawaii.
Habitat
They live in and around slow-moving fresh water, such as lakes, ponds, streams, and marshes.
Guide
Reptiles and Amphibians of North America