Species Spotlight Vol. 17
Indian Flapshell Turtle (Lissemys punctata)
Countries of Origin: Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, Nepal, and Pakistan
IUCN Status: Least Concern (Vulnerable status recommended 2017)
Habitat: Marshes, rivers, lakes, ponds, agricultural paddies, brackish estuaries, canals, and ditches
Size:          Males ≤ 23 cm (9 in.)  Females ≤ 35 cm (14 in.)
Factoids:
- Morphologically an evolutionary link between the softshell and hardshell aquatic turtles
- Has an extensive range of 3.7 million km2 (1.5 million sq mi)
- Three recognized subspecies: Southern Indian Flapshell Turtle (Lissemys punctata puntacta), Spotted Northern Indian Flapshell Turtle ( p. andersoni), Central Indian Flapshell Turtle (L. p. vittata)
- Will burrow into the mud of shallow marshes and agricultural fields, literally entombing itself in estivation, during periods of drought. It’s been known to survive for up to 5 months in this state
- Highly omnivorous, consuming mollusks, crustaceans, amphibians, arthropods, fruits, seeds, and vegetation
- Egg-laying occurs during monsoon season, from July to November, with females depositing up to 3 clutches in a season
- Egg incubation may be considerably drawn out due to environmental factors, lasting anywhere from 4 to 12 months. Eggs typically hatch during or just prior to the onset of the next year’s monsoon
- In India, ground Flapshell shell is believed to be a remedy for tuberculosis
- Protected under CITES Appendix II, regulating its international trade