Three-Toed Box Turtle

Scientific Name: Terrapene carolina triunguis

Order: Testudines (tortoises and turtles)

Family: Emydidae (box turtles)

Conservation Status

About

The three-toed turtle differs from other box turtles because they have three toes on their hind feet. Other box turtles have four toes on their back feet. Their feet are not webbed for swimming, but are equipped with claws. They are mainly land dwellers and are most likely to be seen in the morning hours or right after rainfall. The box turtle has a unique hinged shell that allows it to enclose its body inside its shell to avoid predators.

Find me at EPZ

Location: This animal is not on exhibit. It is part of our educational collection and may only be seen in programs inside or outside of the zoo.

Arrived at EPZ: Scooter - 2002; Urma - 2000

Habitat & Range
Three-toed box turtles live in a wide variety of habitats, but mainly live near a source of water. They are native to the south-central region of the United States.
Identification
The shell of the turtle is a olive brown and brown color. They are small and typically 4 to 6 inches long. The skin of the turtle may have yellow markings and males may have orange or red markings on their heads.
Diet
The diet of a three-toed box turtle consists mainly of plants. Other food includes snails, worms, insects, spiders, frogs, snakes and lizards.
Reproduction & Lifespan
A three-toed box turtle lifespan can range anywhere from 25 to 50+ years old. Breeding takes place in June or July and the female will lay 3-8 eggs that will hatch around 3 months.
Fantastic Fact
You can quickly determine the sex of a three-toed box turtle by its eye color. Females tend to have dark red or brown eyes, where as males are more distinct with bright red or orange eyes.

Three-Toed Box Turtle

Conservation Status

About

Find me at EPZ

Habitat & Range

Identification

Diet

Reproduction & Lifespan

Fantastic Fact