Eastern Box Turtle
ExploreReptiles
Eastern Box Turtle
Terrapene carolina
The Eastern Box Turtle is a small turtle with a domed shell that can close tightly when it feels scared. They love to roam the forest floor looking for yummy snacks!
Habitat: Woodlands, meadows, and wetlands
Appearance
The Eastern Box Turtle has a high, dome-shaped upper shell, often patterned with bright yellow or orange blotches on a dark brown or black background. Its unique hinged plastron (bottom shell) allows it to fully enclose itself, a feature that visually distinguishes it from most other turtles.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassTestudinesOrderTestudinesFamilyEmydidaeGenusTerrapene
Category
ReptilesRarity
Common
Danger
2/5 · Low
Snaps
1
Interesting facts
A box turtle's shell grows rings like a tree, which can sometimes help estimate its age!
If flipped onto its back, an Eastern Box Turtle can often use its strong legs to right itself again!
Male box turtles often have red eyes, while females usually have brown or yellowish eyes!
They can sometimes spend winter months buried deep in the soil, entering a sleep called brumation.
Special abilities
Ability
Hinged Hideaway
Eastern Box Turtle has a hinged bottom shell that helps them pull completely inside for total protection from predators.
Ability
Fantastic Forager
Eastern Box Turtle can eat many different foods because of their omnivorous diet that helps them find meals easily.
Ability
Sensory Spotter
Eastern Box Turtle has excellent eyesight and smell that helps them locate food and find mates in dense undergrowth.
Ability
Shell Camouflage
Eastern Box Turtle has a uniquely patterned shell that helps them blend perfectly into leafy forest floors.
Measurements & details
- Length
- 10-20 cm
- Weight
- 0.5-1.5 kg
- Lifespan
- 30-60 years
- Top Speed
- 0.5 km/h
- Clutch Size
- 3-8
- Incubation
- 70-100 days
Diet & Feeding
This omnivore enjoys a varied diet of insects, berries, mushrooms, and even small carrion.
Age differences: Young turtles eat more protein-rich insects, while adults consume a larger proportion of plants and fungi.
Primary Foods
- Slugs
- Beetles
- Mushrooms
- Berries
- Grasses
- Carrion
Foraging Method
- Foraging
Ecological connections
eaten by
Raccoon
Procyon lotor
preys on eggs and young turtles
eaten by
Coyote
Canis latrans
may prey on adults and juveniles
eats
Common Mushroom
Agaricus bisporus
forages for various fungi and mushrooms
eats
Wild Strawberry
Fragaria virginiana
consumes wild berries and fruits
eats
Leopard Slug
Limax maximus
feeds on slugs and other invertebrates
Traits
Wildlife
Wildlife encompasses all undomesticated animal and plant life existing in their natural habitats.
Omnivorous
This trait identifies organisms whose diet includes both plant and animal matter.
Forest
Forest habitats are terrestrial environments dominated by dense tree cover, supporting a high diversity of plant and animal life.
Longevous
This trait characterizes organisms with an exceptionally long lifespan compared to others of their kind.
Armored
Armored describes animals protected by a hard, external covering or shell for defense.
Nocturnal
Nocturnal animals are primarily active during the nighttime hours, typically resting or sleeping during the day.
Also known as
Box TurtleCommon Box Turtle
Collections
Safety
Danger
2/5 · Low
Look but don’t touch. Keep a safe distance and wash hands after exploring.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is Eastern Box Turtle?
10-20 cm
How much does Eastern Box Turtle weigh?
0.5-1.5 kg
How long does Eastern Box Turtle live?
30-60 years
How fast can Eastern Box Turtle move?
0.5 km/h
What does Eastern Box Turtle eat?
This omnivore enjoys a varied diet of insects, berries, mushrooms, and even small carrion.
Where is Eastern Box Turtle usually found?
Woodlands, meadows, and wetlands
How does Eastern Box Turtle hunt?
Foraging
How many eggs does Eastern Box Turtle lay?
3-8
Snap Map
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Recent Snaps
Where to spot
Zoo30 sightings21 species
Louisiana, US
Alexandria Zoological Park
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Park82 sightings17 species
Virginia, US
Chantilly Park
You might spot Red Maple, Spotted Lanternfly, and Northern Cardinal.
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Park91 sightings16 species
Virginia, US
Williamsburg Manor Park
You might spot Monarch, Eastern Box Turtle, and Asian Lady Beetle.
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Park81 sightings15 species
Virginia, US
Grist Mill Park
You might spot Common Five-Lined Skink and Eastern Box Turtle.
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Park86 sightings15 species
Virginia, US
Kent Gardens Park
You might spot American Robin, Northern Cardinal, and House Sparrow.
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Park89 sightings15 species
Virginia, US
Loisdale Park
You might spot American Toad, American Sweetgum, and Partridgeberry.
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