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Reptiles of the United States
Snakes of the U.S.

Western Box Turtle (Terrapene ornata)


Adult Size: 4" to 5&frc34;"

Description: The carapace is high domed, keelless, with a distinctive pattern of radiating yellowish lines on a brown or black background. The plastron has a distinct moveable hiinge, is often as long as the carapace, teh scutes are continuously patterned, with radiating yellow lines. Males have red eyes, and the hind portion of the plastron is slightly concave, the female's eyes are yellowish-brown.

Habitat:

Breeding: nesintg in May to mid-July, Early mesters may lay a second clutch in July. lays 2 to 8 somewhat brittle shelled, ellipsoidal eggs, about 1 3/8" in length, in a shallow flask shaped cavity dug in well drained soil. Incubation takes 9 to 10 weeks, maturity is reached in 8 to 10 years.

Range: Southern South Dakota, Iowam and eastern Illinois south to Louisiana and texas, west to southwestern Arizona. A separate population in northwestern Indiana and adjacent Illinois.

Diet: Dung beetles, and it also relishes grasshoppers, caterpillars, cicadas, mulberries and carrion.

Behavior: In the morning the Western Box Turtle basks briefly, then searches for food. This turtle is often seen crossing roads after a downpour, consequently many are killed by automobiles.

Video

Conservation Status:

Additonal Notes:

Subspecies: Two in our range.

Ornate Box Turtle (T.o. ornata) - radiating lines (5 to 8 on the second costal scute) that sharply contrast with the dark carapace. Found in southeastern Wyoming and Indiana south to Louisiana and New Mexico. Photo...

Desert Box Turtle (T.o. luteola) - radiating lines are less prominent (11 to 14 on the second costal scute). Found in southern Arizona to the Trans Pecos region of texas south into Mexico. Photo...

 
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