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Project Noah Nature School
Terrapene carolina triunguis
Adult with a 4 1/2 inch (11.4 cm) carapace (top shell) that is high-domed divided by a top ridge (see 2nd photo). The plastron (bottom shell) is hinged so that it can close very tightly against the carapace (see 3rd photo) which is a useful feature to have when a predator is nearby. This species usually has 3 hind toes, although some do have 4 hind toes. Young three-toed box turtles consume mostly earthworms and insects, but adults tend to be more vegetarian, eating a variety of plants, berries and mushrooms.
Spotted this individual on a forest trail going through Rock Bridge State Park (http://mostateparks.com/park/rock-bridge...).
Three-toed box turtles become active about April. Courtship and mating last from late April to early July or later. The male courts by pulsating his orange throat. Most egg-laying occurs from May to early July. At dusk, the female selects an elevated, open patch of soil or sand and digs a hole with her hind legs. A clutch is usually 3–8 eggs, which hatch about 3 months later. There are 1–2 clutches per season. Box turtles dig into leaf litter and soil and go dormant to survive winter (Missouri Department of Conservation web site).
Spotted on May 28, 2012
Submitted on May 28, 2012
3 Comments
The colour on this turtle is so vivid. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks Maria. I updated this spotting so the last photo is now the featured first photo. :)
especially like the last photo