To tell different sexes between ornate box turtles, looking at the color of their irises helps. Males have a deep red color, while females have a yellow to light brown color.
Fast Facts
- Like all box turtles, the ornate box turtle has a hinged plastron which allows the turtle to fully close its shell.
- The ornate box turtle is also known as the Western box turtle, which is closely related the woodland box turtle, formally known as the Eastern box turtle.
- Ornate box turtles are omnivores and eat insects, plant material, and carrion, dead animals.
|
Scientific name |
Terrapene ornata |
| Range | Western North America |
| Conservation status | Near Threatened |
| Diet | Omnivore |
| Zoo location | Education building |
