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Box Turtles |
Box turtles derive their name from the structure of their
plastron (lower shell), which is attached to the carapace (upper shell) by an
elastic, cartilaginous point. The plastron is divided by a central hinge
that allows both the front and rear portions to be drawn against the lower
surface of the carapace. When threatened, these turtles can withdraw their
head and limbs and close their shell very tightly in a box-like fashion.
There are four species of box turtles found in Florida:
Florida Box Turtle; Gulf Coast Box Turtle; Eastern Box Turtle; and the
Three-toed Box Turtle. The Eastern and Three-toed species are found along
the northern edge of Florida. The Florida Box Turtle is found throughout
the whole state, including the Keys. As the name suggests, the Gulf Coast
species is found along the Gulf coast.
Box turtles do not burrow; they spend their time during hot dry periods
beneath logs or matted vegetation. Box turtles usually feed on
leafy plants, berries, and other fruits. They have been observed
eating insects and newly born field mice. |
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Florida Box Turtle - Terrapene
carolina bauri |
| The Florida Box Turtle has a domed, narrow carapace that
averages about six inches in length. Its color can be brown, black, or
yellowish brown and it has a distinctive pattern of radiating yellow
lines. Its hind feet usually have three long-clawed toes and there
are two yellow stripes on each side of the head. The habitat of these
turtles includes palmetto pinelands, hammocks, and open fields.
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