Eastern Box Turtle Flashcards
What is the range and habitat of the eastern box turtle?
In the eastern United states. Although they can also occur in parts of the midwest. They can be found in mixed and deciduous woodland, or grasslands.
Are eastern box turtles threatened?
Yes. They are considered vulnerable.
What are some threats to the eastern box turtle?
They are slow and are frequently hit by cars or other machinery. They also have relatively few offspring per year. People will also capture them and keep them as pets. In the southeastern US, they are being threatened by the invasive fire ant.
What are some differences between the male and female eastern box turtle?
Males display brighter colors, and red eyes. The male also has a concave shell so that he can fit over the female during mating.
How many toes does the eastern box turtle have on both its front and back legs?
Five toes on the front legs, four on the back legs.
How long can eastern box turtles live?
Over one hundred years.
Do eastern box turtles live longer in captivity?
No.
What is the shell of the eastern box turtle made of?
Bone covered by a layer of keratin.
How does the eastern box turtle regenerate its shell?
Keratin forms beneath the damaged tissue to replace the damaged or missing scutes.
Do the scutes of the eastern box turtle continuously grow throughout its life?
Yes.
What does the eastern box turtle eat?
Plants, berries, fungi, and insects.
Why don’t eastern box turtles often do well in captivity?
They require exposure to sunlight on a regular basis and have strict living conditions.
What two states have the eastern box turtle as their state reptile?
Tennessee and North Carolina.
What event often coaxes eastern box turtles out of hiding?
A rainstorm.
How old are eastern box turtles when they are sexually mature?
7 to 10
