Terrapene ornata

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Terrapene ornata
Ornate and desert.jpg
Comparison of T. ornata subspecies, T. o. ornata and T. o. luteola
CITES Appendix II (CITES) [2]
Scientific classification OOjs UI icon edit-ltr.svg
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Testudines
Suborder: Cryptodira
Superfamily: Testudinoidea
Family: Emydidae
Genus: Terrapene
Species:
T. ornata
Binomial name
Terrapene ornata
Agassiz, 1857

Terrapene ornata is a species of North American box turtle sometimes referred to as the western box turtle or the ornate box turtle. It is one of two recognized species of box turtle in the United States, having two subspecies. The second recognized species of box turtle is the eastern box turtle, Terrapene carolina. T. carolina has six subspecies, two of which are endemic to Mexico. [3]

Contents

Taxonomy

There are two subspecies of T. ornata:

Description

T. ornata has a shell that is less domed than other species of box turtle, appearing to be slightly flattened. Their coloration is generally black or dark brown, with yellow striping. T. o. luteola tends to have more striping than T. o. ornata.

T. o. ornata are generally more bold in their approach to predators, often stretching their legs and head out in an attempt to look big. T. o. luteola are more likely to close up into their shell and utilize their hinged plastron as protection.

Both sub-species, although they live in dry, arid environments, will dig deep burrows to escape the heat and allow access to higher humidity content.

Range

T. ornata ornata is found in the central United States from western Indiana, to eastern Texas, and into Louisiana; it can also be found in Northeastern New Mexico. T. ornata luteola inhabits the driest areas of all the box turtle species, and is found in western Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and adjoining areas of northern Mexico.

Conservation

In Indiana, the ornate box turtle is listed as an endangered species. [4]

Symbol

The species became the official state reptile of Kansas in 1986. [5] [6]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">North American box turtle</span> North American turtles of the genus Terrapene

North American box turtles are turtles of the genus Terrapene. Although box turtles are superficially similar to tortoises in terrestrial habits and overall appearance, they are actually members of the American pond turtle family (Emydidae). The 12 taxa which are distinguished in the genus are distributed over seven species. They are largely characterized by having a domed shell which is hinged at the bottom, allowing the animal to retract its head and legs and close its shell tightly to protect itself from predators.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Eastern box turtle</span> Subspecies of reptile

The eastern box turtle is a subspecies within a group of hinge-shelled turtles normally called box turtles. T. c. carolina is native to the Eastern United States.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Common box turtle</span> Species of turtle

The common box turtle is a species of box turtle with five existing subspecies. It is found throughout the Eastern United States and Mexico. The box turtle has a distinctive hinged lower shell that allows it to completely enclose itself, like a box. Its upper jaw is hooked. The turtle is primarily terrestrial and eats a wide variety of plants and animals. The females lay their eggs in the summer. Turtles in the northern part of their range hibernate over the winter.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Three-toed box turtle</span> Species of turtle

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Coahuilan box turtle</span> Species of turtle

The Coahuilan box turtle, also known commonly as the aquatic box turtle, is an endangered species of turtle in the family Emydidae. Unlike the other members of the genus Terrapene, this turtle spends roughly 90% of its time in water.

The spotted box turtle is a species of turtle in the family Emydidae. The species is endemic to the Sierra Madre Occidental in Mexico.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ornate box turtle</span> Subspecies of turtle

The ornate box turtle is one of only two terrestrial species of turtles native to the Great Plains of the United States. It is one of the two different subspecies of Terrapene ornata. It is the state reptile of Kansas and Nebraska. It is currently listed as threatened in Illinois and is of concern and protected in six Midwestern states.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Desert box turtle</span> Subspecies of turtle

The desert box turtle, also known as the Sonoran box turtle, is a subspecies of box turtle which is endemic to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. They are generally terrestrial but occasionally take to the water and are most known for their boxy shell and its structural integrity. The desert box turtles are most active in late June or early July into early October, with greatest activity in July and August.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">False map turtle</span> Species of turtle

The false map turtle is a species of turtle endemic to the United States. It is a commonly-kept pet species. Two subspecies are recognized—the nominate subspecies, described here, and the Mississippi map turtle.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Florida box turtle</span> Subpecies of turtle

The Florida box turtle is a subspecies of turtle belonging to the family Emydidae and is one of six extant subspecies of the common box turtle

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ouachita map turtle</span> Species of turtle

The Ouachita map turtle is a species of turtle belonging to the family Emydidae.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ornate slider</span> Species of turtle

The ornate slider is turtle belonging to the genus Trachemys of the family Emydidae. It is found in Guerrero, Jalisco, Nayarit and Sinaloa in western Mexico.

Wyoming is home to 12 amphibian species and 22 species of reptiles.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Artie L. Metcalf</span>

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Box turtle</span> Common name for several species of turtle

Box turtle is the common name for several species of turtle. It may refer to those of the genus Cuora or Pyxidea, which are the Asian box turtles, or more commonly to species of the genus Terrapene, the North American box turtles. They are largely characterized by having a shell shaped like a dome, which is hinged at the bottom, allowing the animal to close its shell tightly to escape predators. Furthermore, the two genera are very different in habitat, behavior and appearance, and are not even classified in the same family. Even though box turtles became very popular pets, their needs in captivity are complex and the capture of turtles can have serious detrimental effects on the wild population.

References

  1. van Dijk, P.P. & Hammerson, G.A. (2016) [errata version of 2011 assessment]. "Terrapene ornata". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species . 2011: e.T21644A97429080. doi: 10.2305/IUCN.UK.2011-1.RLTS.T21644A9304752.en . Retrieved 4 April 2022.
  2. "Appendices | CITES". cites.org. Retrieved 2022-01-14.
  3. "Types of American Box Turtles". Box Turtle World. 19 September 2016. Retrieved 2021-12-09.
  4. Indiana Legislative Services Agency (2011), "312 IAC 9-5-4: Endangered species of reptiles and amphibians", Indiana Administrative Code, retrieved 28 Apr 2012
  5. "2009-73-1901 Kansas Code patriotic emblems, state reptile, designation". Justia. Retrieved February 11, 2011.
  6. Shearer 1994 , p. 315