The Spiny Softshell Turtle (Apalone spinifera) is a widespread fresh-water turtle occurrying throughout parts of the United States, Canada and Mexico. The species gets its common name from the spiny projections on the front of the carapace. This species was formerly known at Trionyx spiniferus, but the nomenclature was changed in recent years. The top shot on the left was taken in Austin, Travis Co., Texas, in April, 2008, with a Canon EOS 1D Mark III and EF 600mm F/4 L IS lens. This is most likely the subspecies known at Texas Spiny Softshell Turtle (A. s. emoryi)