Three-toed Box Turtle

Description:

Carapace (top shell) that is high-domed divided by a top ridge. The plastron (bottom shell) is hinged so that it can close very tightly against the carapace 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.

Habitat:

Spotted in a forest habitat alongside a walking trail.

Notes:

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).