Terrapene ornata

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]

Terrapene ornata
Comparison of T. ornata subspecies, T. o. ornata and T. o. luteola
CITES Appendix II (CITES)[2]
Scientific classification Edit this classification
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

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]

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. 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
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