Terrapene carolina major

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How to read a taxobox
Gulf Coast Box Turtle

Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Testudines
Family: Emydidae
Genus: Terrapene
Species: T. carolina
Subspecies: T. c. major
Trinomial name
Terrapene carolina major
Agassiz, 1878

The Gulf Coast Box Turtle (Terrapene carolina major) is the largest species of North American box turtle.

[edit] Description

Gulf coast box turtles have a domed shell which can grow to 8 inches in length. It is generally dark brown or black in color, with yellow striping or blotching, the amount of blotching or striping can vary greatly.

[edit] Distribution & Habitat

The gulf coast box turtle can be found along the Gulf of Mexico from the state of Louisiana to the state of Florida. Intergrading with other subspecies of box turtle that it shares range with is not uncommon. They are often found around estuaries and swampy regions, near shallow, permanent bodies of water.

[edit] References