New York Zoological Society. 
SPINY SOFT-SHELLED TURTLE (Amyda spinifera). Length: 1 foot. Range: 
Eastern United States to Montana and Colorado. 
The genus Emyda of India has flaps at the rear of the plastron, which 
close over the legs when they are pulled in, while the front of the upper 
shell folds down to cover the head and front legs. The shell, however, is so 
soft that this ingenious contrivance affords little real protection against 
beasts of prey. 
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