What kind of animal is the Carolina box turtle? We will explain its characteristics, personality, ecology, and habitat. The Carolina box turtle is a type of turtle that can be seen mainly in North America, especially in the United States, but it is designated as an endangered species.
What is the Carolina Box Turtle? Basic Stats
The Carolina box turtle is classified as a turtle in the family Erymidae and genus Terrapene. Its scientific name is Terrapene carolina, and its English name is Common Box Turtle. Its carapace length is 50cm and its weight is 15kg. The list of information is as follows.
| Japanese（和名） | カロリナハコガメ |
| English（英名） | Common Box Turtle |
| scientific name(学名) | Terrapene carolina |
| classification（分類） | Reptilia、 Testudines、 Emydidae、Terrapene 爬虫綱、カメ目、ヌマガメ科、アメリカハコガメ属 |
| IUCN Status(保全状況) | VULNERABLE |
| Length（体長） | 16～20cm |
| Weight（体重） | 0.5～1kg |
About classification
There are the following subspecies of the Carolina box turtle. It is one of the largest of all box turtles.
- T. c. carolina トウブハコガメ
- T. c. bauri フロリダハコガメ
- T. c. major ガルフコーストハコガメ
- T. c. mexicana メキシコハコガメ
- T. c. triunguis ミツユビハコガメ
- T. c. yucatana ユカタンハコガメ
🐢 Taxonomy of Carolina Box Turtles
- 界（Kingdom）：動物界 (Animalia)
- 門（Phylum）：脊索動物門 (Chordata)
- 綱（Class）：爬虫綱 (Reptilia)
- 目（Order）：カメ目 (Testudines)
- 科（Family）：ハコガメ科 (Emydidae)
- 属（Genus）：ハコガメ属 (Terrapene)
- 種（Species）：カロリナハコガメ (Terrapene carolina)
Habitat
The Carolina box turtle is found in the United States and Mexico.
- Distribution
Widely distributed throughout eastern and central North America
US: Southern New York to Florida, the Appalachian Mountains, and westward to Texas and Missouri
Distribution varies depending on the subspecies
- Habitat
Mainly found on land near forests, forest edges, grasslands, and wetlands
Prefers deciduous and mixed forests
Living hidden in environments with fallen leaves, fallen trees, and rocks on the forest floor
Humidity and hiding places are important
Vulnerable to drought and dry conditions, resting under moist soil or fallen leaves
Semi-terrestrial nature
Does not live entirely underwater, rehydrating in moist places
- Ecological Points
Has the habit of hiding in burrows, under fallen leaves, or under fallen logs
When threatened, it closes its carapace for protection (a typical defensive behavior of box turtles)
Searches for and feeds on plants and insects on the forest floor
What are its characteristics? What is it like?
The Carolina box turtle is the largest of the American box turtles, with a dome-shaped raised carapace, and its shell and belly are black-brown or gray-brown with yellow or yellowish-brown markings. Adult males tend to have larger heads than females, and their irises are red or white. This turtle lives in forests, woodlands, and pastures.
- Appearance and Physical Characteristics
Size
Small to medium-sized terrestrial turtle
Adult carapace length is approximately 10-25cm
Adult weight is approximately 0.5-1kg
Carapace (Dorsal Shell)
Dome-shaped and slightly rounded
Brown or black with yellow to orange spots
Patterning varies by subspecies and individual
Plastor (Ventral Shell)
Moveable plastron (unique to box turtles)
The plastron can be folded to completely close the body and protect against predators
Head and Limbs
Small, round head with a slightly pointed snout
Short, sturdy legs for easy ground walking
Tail
Short, with a rounded tip
- Behavior and Ecology
Terrestrial and primarily lives on the forest floor
Not fully aquatic, but active on the moist forest floor or under fallen leaves
Activity Pattern
Mostly active during the day, but rests during the heat of the day
When threatened, they close their carapace to protect themselves
Diet
Omnivorous
Plants: leaves, fruits, mushrooms
Animals: insects, earthworms, small invertebrates
- Personality
Gentle and docile
Timid and cautious
When threatened, they close their carapace for protection
Moderately curious
Do not approach humans easily
What is its personality like?
The Carolina box turtle is docile, so it is very easy to raise. However, it is designated as an endangered species, and its selling price has risen sharply, making it difficult to obtain.
- Basic Personality
Timid and cautious
When threatened, they close their carapace to protect themselves
Sensitive to the approach of predators or humans
Gentle and rarely aggressive
Can coexist with other turtles and small animals
Moderately curious
They may slowly emerge when food is available, but are not easily accustomed to people
- Behavioral Characteristics
Strong hiding habits
Often rest on the forest floor, under fallen leaves, or fallen logs
Activity Pattern
Active during the day or during cooler times
Move very little during hot times or when threatened
Distinctive defensive behavior
They completely close their carapace to protect themselves from predators
- Personality in Captivity
Easy to handle but timid
Nearly aggressive, making them fun to observe
Providing fallen leaves and hiding places reduces stress
Slow and calm movements
Once accustomed to their environment, they can be observed walking slowly in search of food
What is its ecology like?
The Carolina box turtle is omnivorous, and lives by eating fruit, mushrooms, and other plant matter, as well as insects, earthworms, and snails. It reproduces by oviparity. It usually mates in the spring. It lays 1-11 eggs at a time, mainly 2-3 times a year. It has a lifespan of about 80 years.
- Habitat
Terrestrial, mainly living on the forest floor
Live in forests, forest edges, grasslands, and near wetlands in eastern and central North America
Not fully aquatic, they rest on the moist forest floor or under leaf litter
Strong hiding habits
Hide in fallen leaves, fallen logs, or rock shelters
When threatened, they close their carapace for protection
- Activity Patterns
Diurnal
Active during the day or during cooler times
Ly motionless and hiding during hot days or when in danger
Thermoregulation
May bask in open areas of the forest floor (basking)
- Diet
Omnivorous
Plants: leaves, fruits, mushrooms
Food: insects, earthworms, small invertebrates
Eat mostly animal-based foods during their juvenile stage
As they grow, they eat more plant foods and adapt to the same omnivorous diet as adults
- Reproduction
Spawning: Spring to early summer
Lays 3-8 eggs at a time They lay their young on the ground, under fallen leaves or soil.
Their young also spend their time hiding under fallen leaves or fallen logs on the forest floor.
Does it have any natural enemies?
The natural enemies of the Carolina box turtle are tigers, bears, and foxes.
About Carolina Box Turtle Hatches
This section provides a detailed overview of Carolina Box Turtle (Terrapene carolina) hatchlings (juveniles).
- Appearance and Physical Characteristics (Hatchlings)
Size
Carapace length immediately after hatching is approximately 3-5cm
Adults grow to approximately 10-25cm
Shell (Dorsal Carapace)
Hatchlings have a brown to dark brown shell with bright yellow or orange spots.
Patterning varies greatly among individuals, with color varying by subspecies and region.
Shell is soft and rounded.
Plastron (Ventral Carapace)
Moveable and able to completely close its body.
Light yellowish-brown with a subtle pattern.
Head and Limbs
Small, round head with a slightly pointed snout.
Legs are short and sturdy, making them easy to walk on the forest floor.
Tail
Short, with a rounded tip.
- Behavior/Personality (Juveniles)
Very timid and cautious
If they sense danger, they will immediately close their carapace and hide.
Activity Pattern
Active in the mornings, evenings, and cooler times
Hide under fallen leaves or fallen trees during the day or hotter times
Curious but reserved
They may slowly emerge in response to food, but are reluctant to approach humans.
- Diet (Juveniles)
Omnivorous, but consumes a large amount of animal matter.
Mainly insects, earthworms, and small invertebrates.
They also consume small amounts of plant matter (leaves and fruit).
As they grow, their plant matter intake increases, adapting to the same omnivorous diet as adults.
- Ecology/Lifestyle
Often hides under fallen leaves or fallen trees on the forest floor.
They acquire the habit of hiding and the defensive behavior of closing their carapace from the juvenile stage.
Adapts to the same behavioral patterns and ecology as adults within a few years.
Is the Carolina box turtle an endangered species?
The Carolina box turtle is listed in Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), and international trade is restricted. It is also designated as an endangered species. Not only is its habitat decreasing due to recent development, but it is also overfished as a pet, which has become a problem.
- International Conservation Status
IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) Red List
Classification: LC (Least Concern)
Meaning: Wild populations are relatively stable and not currently at high risk of imminent extinction.
CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora)
Some subspecies (e.g., the box turtle) are listed in Appendix II.
International trade requires a permit.
- Population Size and Habitat
Distributed over a wide area in eastern and central North America.
Generally, they live stably in forests, forest edges, and the forest floor near wetlands.
Although there are localized areas of population decline due to residential development and road construction, the population remains stable overall.
- Causes of Decline
Habitat Destruction: Residential development, road construction, deforestation
Pet Trade/Smuggling: Some individuals are captured as pets.
Traffic Accidents: Killed by roadside vehicles while crossing roads.
Can the Carolina box turtle be kept as a pet?
The Carolina box turtle is designated as an endangered species and is difficult to obtain, but it is possible to keep it as a pet. The following items are necessary to keep a turtle. Small individuals are newly registered and sold, and there are many adoption requests, so check them out. Pay attention to the type of food and cage. They also have a long lifespan, so take that into consideration. Check the food and insulation method.
Cage
Depending on the size of the shell and the growth rate, a wide cage of about 60 cm is required in the shop. It is recommended to use a reptile cage made of glass, acrylic, or plastic.
Flooring
There are various types of flooring categories, from large to small. There are various types, such as Akadama soil, coconut shells, and artificial turf. Sometimes they are sold at a low price during campaigns.
Heater
If necessary, prepare an air conditioner or heating appliance to make sure your turtle is comfortable. There are panel heaters, spot lamps, and basking lights.
Thermo-hygrometer
When raising amphibious turtles, it is very important to control the temperature and humidity. It is best to keep the temperature at around 30 degrees.
Lighting
Turtles are animals that maintain their health by producing vitamin D3 in their bodies, which promotes calcium absorption, by exposing them to strong ultraviolet rays in a day. For this reason, lighting is essential. There are incandescent and fluorescent tube types, and it is best to choose one that suits the cage. Use the sunlight hours as a guide for lighting.
Shelter
Turtles are living creatures, so it is a good idea to have a shelter as a point to create a place where they can escape indoors. Make sure to install it properly so as not to cause them too much stress.
Water dish
A water dish is also essential. Wash the water bowl every day and provide fresh water.
Pet Food
Turtles are herbivorous and their food consists mainly of small vegetables and fruits, with some also eating mustard spinach and mushrooms. Some turtles eat wild plants instead of vegetables. Give them fruits such as bananas, watermelons, apples, strawberries, kiwis, and mangoes as snacks. Some people also give supplements as a reference. It is a good idea to start by offering commercially available products. These contain all the nutrients that living creatures need.
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