They are most abundant in grasslands, with scattered brush vegetation and soils suitable for burrowing. Ideal Habitatīox turtles are not dependent on free water, so can occupy a wide range of habitats including pasture, fields, sandhills, prairie, and open woodland. You can determine the approximate age of turtles by counting the number of growth lines on the underside of the shell. Ornate box turtles can live between 30-40 years. Look out for them on roads and be careful not to run them over. After recent rain, ornate box turtles may emerge to find food. Box turtles generally hibernate from late October to mid-April. These turtles spend much of their time in small underground burrows, especially during warm parts of the day. Ornate box turtles are found in open grasslands, sandy plains, agricultural land, glades and gently rolling hills from southern Wisconsin and northern Indiana through the central Great Plains. Box turtles are omnivores, feeding on primarily insects, as well as plants materials (prickly pear pads and fruits), and scavenging on carrion. Males have red eyes and bright yellow spots on front legs, and females have yellowish-brown eyes. Skin is dark brown to reddish-brown with conspicuous yellow to orange spotting. They may also aid in seed dispersal around their native range as they consume berries of different plants.The ornate box turtle is a terrestrial turtle, approximately 4-5 in/10-12 cm, with a brownish shell and yellow radiating lines above and below. Currently, the Common box turtle is classified as Vulnerable (VU) on the IUCN Red List and its numbers today are decreasing.ĭue to their varied diet, Common box turtles help to control various prey populations. However, there is an estimated population of its subspecies Yucatan box turtle which is most likely less than 10,000 individuals. There is no overall population estimate available for the Common box turtle. Collection for the international pet trade may also impact populations in some areas. The development brings with it an additional threat in the form of increased infrastructure, as Common box turtles are frequently killed on roads and highways. Agricultural and urban development is destroying their habitat, while human fire management is degrading it. They are social creatures and may even hibernate together.Īlthough Common box turtles have a wide range and were once considered common, many populations are in decline as a result of a number of diverse threats. They burrow into loose soil, sand, vegetable matter, or mud at the bottom of streams and pools, or they may use a mammal burrow and will remain in their chosen shelter until the cold winter has passed. In the northern parts of their range, Common box turtles may enter hibernation in October or November. Similarly, they may urinate on their hind limbs to cool the body parts they are unable to cover with saliva. If Common box turtles do become too hot, (when their body temperature rises to around 32 ☌), they smear saliva over their legs and head as the saliva evaporates it leaves them comfortably cooler. In the warmer summer months, they are often seen near the edges of swamps or marshlands, possibly in an effort to stay cool. Common box turtles are mainly terrestrial reptiles that are often seen early in the day, or after rain, when they emerge from the shelter of rotting leaves, logs, or a mammal burrow to forage.
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