Eastern Box Turtle
Terrapene carolina carolina
Class: Reptilia Order: Testudines Family: Emydidae
Size
Height: 5-6 in.
Weight: 1-2 lbs
Lifespan
25-35 years
Diet
Plants, insects, fruits, fish, small amphibians, eggs, and carrion.
Habitat & Range
Wetlands and Rivers along the Eastern coast of the United States ranging from Maine to Florida, as well as west towards the Great Lakes region and Texas.
Interesting Facts
There are six subspecies of box turtle, and four of them live in the United States! The remaining two are native to Mexico.
Box turtles earned their name from the hinged ventral shell (plastron) that allows the individual to pull their bodies into their shell and close the hinge. This makes it very difficult for predators to reach the most vulnerable parts of the turtle's body.
Eastern box turtles are omnivorous species; however, juvenile box turtles tend to prefer a carnivorous diet for the added energy it provides them while they mature! Once they reach maturity around age 7, they transition to a more herbivorous diet.
Conservation Status
Vulnerable
Threats
Eastern Box Turtles are vulnerable due to habitat loss and the illegal pet trade.
