Spiny Softshell (Apalone spinifera) turtles exhibit scarring consistent with attempted lamprey bites

Authors

  • Christina M. Davy Trent University Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry
  • Juliana Skuza Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry
  • Amelia K. Whitear Ontario Nature

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.22621/cfn.v132i2.2039

Keywords:

Spiny Softshell turtle, Apalone spinifera, Ichthyostomyzon unicuspis, parasitic lamprey, Petromyzon marinus, Sea Lamprey, Silver Lamprey, turtle, Lake Erie

Abstract

We captured 46 Spiny Softshells (Apalone spinifera) during a mark–recapture study on Lake Erie (2012–2015). Six (13%) exhibited circular scars consistent with the bites of small parasitic lampreys. Two species of parasitic lampreys occur in Lake Erie: the invasive Sea Lamprey (Petromyzon marinus) and the native Silver Lamprey (Ichthyostomyzon unicuspis). The scars showed only the marks of the putative teeth surrounding the suctorial mouth, preventing identification based on the position of the supraoral teeth and suggesting that lampreys are rapidly dislodged from the turtles. To our knowledge, this is the first evidence of lampreys biting freshwater turtles.

Author Biographies

Christina M. Davy, Trent University Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry

Research Scientist (Species at Risk), Widlife Research and Monitoring Section, OMNRF

Adjunct Professor, Environmental and Life Sciences Graduate Program, Trent University

Juliana Skuza, Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry

Fish and Wildlife Technician, Aylmer District, OMNRF

Amelia K. Whitear, Ontario Nature

Conservation Science Technician

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Published

2019-01-01

Issue

Vol. 132 No. 2 (2018)

Section

Notes

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