Eastern Box Turtle

Description:

The Eastern Box Turtle is the most well-known turtle in Virginia. They are easily identified by their bright markings. Box Turtles have a high, dome-shaped carapace (top part of shell) and a hinged plastron (bottom part). They are usually dark brown or olive-colored with bright orange or yellow patterns. The male will usually have red eyes and the female will have yellowish-brown eyes. They can grow up to eight inches long. Box turtles have a down-turned beak. - www.fcps.edu

Habitat:

Eastern Box Turtles are terrestrial, which means they live on land. They can be found in forests or meadows where there is moisture. Female box turtles will nest in the summer, laying three to eight eggs. - www.fcps.edu