Terrapene ornata

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Terrapene ornata
Comparison of T. ornata species, T. o. ornata and T. o. luteola
Conservation status
Near Threatened
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Chordata Class: Reptilia Order: Testudines Family: Emydidae Genus: Terrapene Species: T. ornata
Binomial name
Terrapene ornata Agassiz, 1857

Terrapene ornata is a species of North American box turtle sometimes referred to as the western box turtle or ornate box turtle.

Contents 1 Taxonomy 2 Description 3 Range 4 References

[edit] Taxonomy

There are two subspecies of T. ornata:

• Ornate Box Turtle, Terrapene ornata ornata (Agassiz, 1857)
• Desert Box Turtle, Terrapene ornata luteola (Smith & Ramsey, 1952)

[edit] Description

T. ornata have a shell that is less domed than other species of box turtle, appearing to be slightly flattened. Their coloration is generally black or dark brown, with yellow striping. T. o. luteola tends to have more striping than T. o. ornata.

[edit] Range

T. ornata ornata is found in the central United States from eastern Indiana, to eastern Texas and into Louisiana. T. ornata luteola inhabits the driest areas of all the box turtle species, and is found in western Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and adjoining areas of northern Mexico.

[edit] References

• Tortoise & Freshwater Turtle Specialist Group (1996). Terrapene ornata. 2006 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. IUCN 2006. Retrieved on 09 May 2006.
• Chelonia.org: Box Turtles
• EMBL Reptile Database