Western Box Turtles

More Turtle Informaton Types of Turtles Turtle Pictures

The Western Box Turtle (Terrapene ornata), also known as the Ornate Box turtle, is one of two native box turtle species.

Two separate subspecies have been identified, Terrapene ornata ornata and Terrapene ornata luteola, with both inhabiting dry and sandy habitats in their range.

The more common subspecies, the Ornate Box Turtle (Terrapene ornata ornata), inhabits the grasslands of the central United States from South Dakota, south through Texas. The Desert Box Turtle inhabits the grassland areas of the Desert Southwest regions, south to northern Mexico.

They are a terrestrial species that live in burrows. Occasionally they can be found in shallow water environments, but their proclivity to be around water habitats pales in comparison to other native turtle species.

Their diet consists of a variety of foods in their immediate territory including fruits, insects, cacti and plants. Sightings by humans often correspond with their emerging from their burrows during morning and late afternoons in order to forage for food.

In Kansas, where it holds the status of official state reptile, it tends to be mostly carnivorous.

Population levels are uncertain, although there are reports of decline in many areas, due largely to habitat loss.

Additional Information: Ornate Box Turtle

© 2006-2009 Patricia A. Michaels