Terrapene ornata facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Terrapene ornata |
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| Comparison of T. ornata subspecies, T. o. ornata and T. o. luteola | |
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Terrapene
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ornata
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The Ornate Box Turtle, also known as the Western Box Turtle, is a type of box turtle found in North America. Its scientific name is Terrapene ornata. It is one of only two main kinds of box turtles living in the United States. The other kind is the eastern box turtle, Terrapene carolina.
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Types of Ornate Box Turtles
There are two main types, or subspecies, of the Ornate Box Turtle:
- The Ornate box turtle (Terrapene ornata ornata)
- The Desert box turtle (Terrapene ornata luteola)
What Ornate Box Turtles Look Like
Ornate Box Turtles have a shell that is flatter than other box turtles. It's not as rounded or "domed." Their shells are usually black or dark brown with bright yellow stripes.
The Desert Box Turtle (T. o. luteola) often has more stripes than the Ornate Box Turtle (T. o. ornata).
When they meet a predator, the Ornate Box Turtle (T. o. ornata) might try to look bigger. It will stretch out its legs and head. The Desert Box Turtle (T. o. luteola) is more likely to pull itself completely into its shell. It uses its special hinged bottom shell (called a plastron) to close up tightly for protection.
Even though these turtles live in dry places, they dig deep burrows. These underground homes help them escape the heat. They also help the turtles find more moisture in the air.
Where Ornate Box Turtles Live
The Ornate Box Turtle (T. ornata ornata) lives in the central United States. You can find it from western Indiana all the way to eastern Texas and into Louisiana. It also lives in northeastern New Mexico.
The Desert Box Turtle (T. ornata luteola) lives in very dry areas. These include western Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and nearby parts of northern Mexico.
Protecting Ornate Box Turtles
In the state of Indiana, the Ornate Box Turtle is listed as an endangered species. This means there are not many left, and they need special protection.
A State Symbol
The Ornate Box Turtle is important in some places. In 1986, it became the official state reptile of Kansas.
