North American Box Turtles
Outline
Box turtles are an extremely fun species of terrestrial reptiles. That means land dwelling. I know, they are technically of the classification turtle, they live in bog-like areas with open, damp forests and meadows.
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Breeding groups of box turtles have been around and established for a long time. Due to conservation concerns and conservation projects, it makes the establishment of breeding programs all the more important. There are a number of threats to these wonderful and spunky turtles. The main threats to these species in the wild include Habitat Loss, Road Mortality and the smuggling of wild populations into the pet trade.
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We keep a small group of Eastern Box Turtles (Terrapene carolina carolina) and Three-Toe Box Turtles (Terrapene carolina triunguis), most of which were given to us due to animal predation injuries, and roadside injury.
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Coloration & Characteristics
All the North American Box Turtles we keep have specific characteristics of a double hinged plastron, which allows them the distinct ability to completely seal their entire body. This is a great defense mechanism to more predators and shell stability. But it is not perfect. Box turtles still experience threats from both dogs and vehicles, both of which will overpower this strong double hinged plastron.
They have a distinct hooked upper jaw, causing a beak-like ability which airs in the tearing of all types of foods. Box turtles are known to be omnivorous. Newborn hatchlings will strictly eat insect, worm and small invertebrates as the base of their diet. As the Box Turtles grow older, they slowly shift and will incorporate more of a varied diet which will include fruits, fungi and vegetables.
Gender dimorphism in Box Turtles can include a variety of characteristics.
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Eyes
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Males will often have a deep red-eye color, while females can have a variety of colors like light brown, dark brown and red-pink colors. This is not always a guarantee on gender distinctions and should be taken as only one possible way to tell.
Plastron
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The males will have a concaved plastron (curved inwards belly) while females will have a flat plastron.
Tail
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Males will have a longer and thicker tail in comparison to females. It is not always easy to spot due to their double hinged plastron.
Claws
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Males will tend to have thicker and longer claws in comparison to female Box Turtles.
Colors
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Although not always true, males tend to have more vibrant and distinct coloration, whether it’s a Three Toe or an Eastern Box Turtle.
Terrapene carolina triunguis The Three Toe Box turtle males will show deep red, orange, yellow, and white scales along their face and arms.
Terrapene carolina carolina The Eastern Box Turtle males will have a higher contrast to their shell, with a deeper and richer black base color to the carapace. Females can be more muted overall, with less colorful scales or brownish tones to their carapace.
Habitat
Most Box Turtles you find on the market are specific to North America. There are some beautiful species which come from Mexico, but are rarely seen in the pet trade due to conservation and exportation laws.
Terrapene carolina carolina
Eastern Box Turtles have the widest range and territory.
The distribution of these animals have been documented
from Georgia all the way to Illinois.
Terrapene carolina triunguis
Three Toe Box Turtles can be found from Oklahoma to
Missouri. Large parts of their range will overlap with other
species of box turtles. See the map to the right.
Natural intergrade do commonly occur. Some of these
intergrades are due to human influence where pet owners
transport and release animals improperly.
It is always discouraged to purposefully intergrade these
animals in captivity. This is not about purity but a good
reminder of long term keeping and the longevity of reptile
breeding.
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