Ornate Box Turtle

Key identification points and similar species:
Box Turtles can be recognized by yellow stripes on shell and hinged lower shell (plastron).

Description: Small turtle with high shell, and hinged plastron. Male with red eye. Dark brown carapace with many yellow streaks radiating outward. Plastron lighter brown mottled with yellow.

Habitat: Dry open grassland.

Size: 10-12.5 cm (4-5 in)

Diet: Omnivous.

Natural History: When disturbed the head and limbs are drawn into the shell and the shell closes, which discourages most potential predators.

Ornate Box Turtle (Terrapene ornata)

Key identification points and similar species: Box Turtles can be recognized by yellow stripes on shell and hinged lower shell (plastron). Description: Small turtle with high shell, and hinged plastron. Male with red eye. Dark brown carapace with many yellow streaks radiating outward. Plastron lighter brown mottled with yellow. Habitat: Dry open grassland. Size: 10-12.5 cm (4-5 in) Diet: Omnivous. Natural History: When disturbed the head and limbs are drawn into the shell and the shell closes, which discourages most potential predators.