Home >> Science & Nature >> Nature

The Types of Box Turtles in Oklahoma

Only two types of box turtles occur in Oklahoma -- the ornate box turtle (Terrapene ornata) and the three-toed box turtle (Terrapene carolina triunguis). These turtles sometimes spend their entire life, which can last over 100 years, in an area about the size of a football field, according to the "National Audubon Society Field Guide to Reptiles and Amphibians." Oklahoma's box turtles are the only two turtles in the Sooner State that sped most of their time on land.

Description
- The ornate box turtle measures between 4 and 5 inches in length, with this turtle usually possessing four toes on its hind feet. Three-toed box turtles, named for the three toes on their hind feet, are larger, up to 6 inches in length. Three-toed box turtles have brown skin, but adult males often have orange, red, white or yellow spots about the neck, head and/or front legs. Yellow spots are common on the dark skin of the ornate box turtle.
Shells
- Box turtles have shells shaped like domes. Those of the ornate box turtle are dark brown to nearly black, covered with multiple yellow lines. The undersides of an ornate box turtle shell are black and feature the same types of yellow designs as the upper shell does. Three-toed box turtle shells have a brownish to beige appearance. The upper shell is often brown, sometimes marked with yellowish or black lines and markings. When danger presents itself, a box turtle retracts its head, neck and legs into the shell for protection.
Habitat
- Often found distances from water, the two types of box turtles in Oklahoma prefer different habitats. The ornate box turtle occurs across Oklahoma, but it is much more common in the western sections, according to the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation. They live where they have access to grasses and forbs; they look for areas with sandy or loamy ground in which to dig their burrows. Ornate box turtles inhabit woodlands, prairies and shrub lands. The three-toed box turtle live in eastern Oklahoma. They exist in woodlands, forests and thickets.
Diets
- The diets of these Oklahoma box turtles are similar in that both search for and eat fruits, bugs, worms and snails. While it is legal to have them as a pet in the state, it is illegal to trade them or to sell them commercially. Due to their specialized diet, it is hard to keep them successfully as pets. Box turtles can safely eat species of mushrooms that are extremely toxic to humans. People eating these turtles risk poisoning if the turtles they consume have eaten these mushrooms.

Nature