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Are eastern box turtles a state reptile?
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Why did North Carolina choose the eastern box turtle?
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The eastern box turtle is the official state reptile of two U.S. states: North Carolina (which gives rise to the species and subspecies name carolina carolina) and Tennessee. [27] [28] [29] In Pennsylvania, the eastern box turtle made it through one house of the legislature, but failed to win final naming in 2009. [30]
Virginia proponents of the eastern box turtle have seen 1999 and 2009 bids fail. For the most recent attempt, a legislative opponent of the turtle said it was too cowardly for the state because of its defensive shell, and suggested the rattlesnake would be a better representative.
StateState ReptileScientific NameYear AdoptedPseudemys alabamensis1990Crotalus willardi subspecies willardi1986Desert tortoise (state reptile)Gopherus agassizii1972Leatherback sea turtle (state marine ...Dermochelys coriacea2012- Description
- Physical characteristics
- Behavior
- Geographic range
- Habitat
- Diet
- Reproduction
The eastern box turtle is one of six extant subspecies of the common box turtle. It has a high-domed, rounded, hard upper shell, called a carapace. The vivid, orange and yellow markings on its dark brown shell distinguish it from other box turtles, as do the four toes on its hind feet. Its distinct coloring camouflages it among the damp earth, fall...
Box turtles have a hooked upper jaw, and most have a significant overbite. Their feet are slightly webbed. There are many ways to tell a male and female box turtle apart. Males are generally larger and have shorter, thicker tails than females. Males also have short, thick, curved hind claws, while females' hind claws are long, straight and thin.
Eastern box turtles walk energetically with their heads upright and may travel about 50 meters (55 yards) in one day. A homing instinct, an innate ability to navigate to a \"home base\" despite being in an unfamiliar area, helps this turtle find its way back home. Eastern box turtles adjust their activity in order to maintain their optimal body tem...
The eastern box turtle is one of the few native species housed at Reptile Discovery Center. Box turtles of all subspecies are found throughout North America, the eastern Gulf coast of Mexico, and the Yucatan Peninsula. The subspecies Terrapene c. carolina, commonly referred to as the eastern box turtle, is found along the eastern United States from...
Eastern box turtles are predominantly terrestrial and live in a variety of vegetative areas, including shrubby grasslands, marshy meadows, open woodlands and field forest edges. They are often found near streams or ponds, or areas that have experienced heavy rainfall.
These opportunistic omnivores eat a wide variety of plants, mushrooms, fruits, insects, fish, small amphibians, eggs and even animal carrion. Younger box turtles grow very rapidly and tend to be preferentially carnivorous (for the needed energy). Therefore, they spend more time in the water where it is easier to hunt. After five to six years, they ...
Box turtles reach sexual maturity around the age of 5. Mating season for eastern box turtles generally starts in the spring and continues through the fall. After a rainfall, males become especially active in their search for a female. Males may mate with more than one female or the same female several times. Females can store sperm for up to four y...
May 1, 2024 · Learn about the Eastern Box Turtle, a captivating non-poisonous reptile. Explore its unique shell, size, coloration, habitat, diet, behavior, threats, and conservation efforts. Discover its role in the ecosystem and the importance of promoting conservation and education.
Eastern box turtles are one of the most commonly seen turtles in the wild. The reptile’s carapace is dome-shaped and covers most of its body, and has ridges and furrows that develop with age. The upper part of the turtle’s mouth is slightly hooked, and its toes are slightly webbed.
Quick facts. Tennessee and North Carolina both recognize the eastern box turtle as their state reptile. Some of these reptiles have lived for as long as 100 years in captivity. While often mistaken for tortoises the closest relative of the eastern box turtle is the turtles.
Eastern box turtles are the state reptile of both Tennessee and North Carolina. There were even votes to make them the state reptile of both Pennsylvania and Virginia. Not too shabby for a little turtle who weighs less than 1 pound.
