Midland Smooth Softshell

This aquatic species of turtle has a round, smooth upper shell without scutes, extensive webbing on front and hind limbs, and a long, tubular snout. General coloration of the upper shell varies with age and sex. Male smooth softshells and young have an olive-gray or brown upper shell with faint markings of dots and dashes. Adult females have a mottled upper shell with blotches of gray, olive or brown. The lower shell of this species is a plain cream color. Head and limbs are olive or gray above, and light gray or cream-colored below. A light yellow line bordered by black is usually present behind each eye.