Identification
This
small terrestrial turtle has a domed carapace and hinged plastron that allows
it to retract fully inside of its shell. In contrast to other box turtle species,
the top of the carapace of the Ornate Box Turtle is slightly flattened and unkeeled.
The background color of the carapace is brown to black and each scute features
a pattern of radiating yellow lines. The plastron is also strongly marked with
yellow or white lines and streaks. The head is usually a dull green, yellowish
or brown with dark spots. The species also sports enlarged scales on its forelimbs
that can be red, orange or yellow. If you are interested in knowing the sex
of an Ornate Box Turtle all you need do is look at their eyes. Males have a
red iris, while in females the iris is light brown.
Distribution and Status
Ornate Box Turtles range across much of the south central United States from
South Dakota to the north, southeastern Arizona to the west, southwest Indiana
to the east, and south to southern Texas. Disjunct populations are also found
in northwestern Indiana and adjacent northeastern Illinois, in southern Wisconsin,
and in northwestern Illinois and adjacent eastern Iowa and Missouri. In the
Midwest, the turtles are State Endangered in Wisconsin and also in Indiana,
where populations have decreased in sand prairies, in some cases to the point
of extirpation. In Iowa they are considered State Threatened. They are not found
in Ohio, Michigan or Minnesota. (US
distribution map; Midwest
distribution map).
Ecology
This terrestrial turtle lives on plains and prairies in sandy areas, and is
able to withstand more arid conditions than other box turtles. When hot, Ornate
Box Turtles will burrow into the ground to escape the heat. The species can
be seen wandering between meadows and sparse woods, but as they generally prefer
drier conditions, they will avoid wet habitats such as streams or marshes. Researchers
have estimated that Ornate Box Turtles can live upward of 50 years.
Threats and Management Issues
Agriculture and other land use changes have greatly reduced Indiana populations
of the Ornate Box Turtle. These turtles are uncommon in cultivated areas, and
pesticides are suspected in contributing to population declines. Busy roadways,
farm machinery, and lawnmowers are also causes for decreases in population numbers
for this species.
Resources
Ernst. C. H., J. E. Lovich and R. W. Barbour. 1994. Turtles of the United States and Canada. Smithsonian Institution Press, USA.
General reference guides and websites.
Links to more information on the Ornate Box Turtle outside the Herp Center
Illinois
Natural History Survey
Herps
of Iowa
Bruce Kingsbury, Director
Center for Reptile and Amphibian Conservation and Management
Science Building
Indiana-Purdue University
2101 East Coliseum Blvd.
Fort Wayne, IN 46805-1499