Photo by Jake Zadik
Latin Name: Terrapene carolina
Species: Reptile
Conservation Status: S3 - Vulnerable
Eastern box turtles vary in color, size, and shell shape. They are typically characterized by a high-domed, colorful carapace (top shell), and a hinged plastron (bottom shell) within which the head and limbs can be completely enclosed. This turtle does not have webbed toes. Males tend to have red eyes while females have brown eyes, although some females have red eyes. Males have a pronounced depression in the center of the plastron.
Range & Habitat (map)
The eastern box turtle inhabits the eastern half of the U.S., from Central Texas to the Southeast coast. Its range extends northward to southern Maine and southern Michigan. The eastern box turtle is usually found in mixed-hardwood forest habitats that have thick leaf litter providing shady, moist retreats. Occasionally, it may visit the edges of wetlands or floodplain swamps.
Diet
The eastern box turtle eats a variety of foods including mushrooms, roots, seeds, berries, and grasses. They also opportunistically consume small animals such as earthworms, grubs, beetles, crayfish, frogs, toads, salamanders, snakes, and birds.
Life History
Eastern box turtles mate in spring, and nest from May through July. A female will lay 1-2 clutches of about 5 eggs each; the eggs hatch in early September. This turtle can live to be 50 years or older.
Significance
Eastern box turtles have an important role in the ecosystem as both prey and predators. Their seed-eating habits also contribute significantly to the seed dispersal of native plants.
Threats & How You Can Help
The eastern box turtle is threatened by habitat fragmentation, illegal collection, and predation. Fortunately, they can adapt well to certain urban environments with appropriate habitat. Simple actions to create suitable habitat in urban settings include native plantings and leaving leaf litter and ground cover.