Three-toed Box Turtle

Description:

This smallish, terrestrial turtle has a high domed shell. Coloration varies greatly, but the carapace is typically a plain, dullish brown. Some individuals, however, can be quite colorful with shells of yellow and orange radiating streaks and dots. The plastron is usually plain yellow, although some individuals will have darker areas (generally that correspond to creases between the scutes). Head, neck, and limb coloration may include browns, blacks, oranges, and yellows arranged in no clearly discernible pattern. Adult males of this species have a slightly concave plastron; bright red eyes; and relatively longer, thicker tail. Adult females have a flat plastron; brown or dull red eyes; and relatively shorter, thinner tail. Juveniles have a slightly keeled, less-domed carapace than adults.