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Distinguishing Features

The words Terrapene ornata translate to “ornate (patterned) small turtle,” which aptly describes this 6 inch (15 cm) long, colorful, terrestrial turtle. Both the high-domed carapace (upper part of the shell) and hinged plastron (lower part) are black or brown with radiating yellow lines and dots. The male has an orange to reddish iris, reddish spots on the foreleg, and an inwardly curved nail on each hind foot. The shells of older animals often lose their pattern, becoming a uniform pale green or straw color.

Range

This turtle is found as far north and east as South Dakota, Michigan, and Indiana, south through southeast Arizona, New Mexico and Texas into northern Mexico.

Habitat

The western box turtle of grasslands, found in treeless plains to gentle hills with grass or low bushes and sandy soils, though occasionally it is found in desert habitats. It tends to create shallow burrows in loose soils; it will also use mammal burrows and bannertail kangaroo rat mounds. These burrows are used to avoid temperature extremes and reduce desiccation.

Life History

The western box turtle is omnivorous, feeding on insects (especially beetles), berries, leaves, fruits, and sometimes carrion. It reproduces from March to November, laying two to eight eggs per clutch. Breeding strongly correlates with rainfall.

Comments

Box turtles can be either timid or pugnacious, retreating into their tough shells or defending themselves with strong beaks.