Terrapene ornata

Terrapene ornata
Comparison of T. ornata subspecies, T. o. ornata and T. o. luteola
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Testudines
Suborder: Cryptodira
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.

Taxonomy

There are two subspecies of T. ornata:

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.

Range

T. ornata ornata is found in the central United States from western 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.

Conservation

In Indiana, the ornate box turtle is listed as an endangered species.[2]

Symbol

The species became the official state reptile of Kansas in 1986.[3][4]

References

  1. ↑ Tortoise & Freshwater Turtle Specialist Group (1996). "Terrapene ornata". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2006. International Union for Conservation of Nature. Retrieved 09 May 2006. Check date values in: |access-date= (help)
  2. ↑ Indiana Legislative Services Agency (2011), "312 IAC 9-5-4: Endangered species of reptiles and amphibians", Indiana Administrative Code, retrieved 28 Apr 2012
  3. ↑ "2009-73-1901 Kansas Code patriotic emblems, state reptile, designation". Justia. Retrieved February 11, 2011.
  4. ↑ Shearer 1994, p. 315
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