All turtles and tortoises carry their homes on their backs, but the box turtle has hingesboxturtlesite.info: [1]. Unlike other species that tuck their limbs into their shells when necessary, the box turtle unhinges half of its bottom shell or plastron, then tucks up inside.
Native to North America, the Eastern Box Turtle (Terrapene carolina) is found in woodland and farmland areas. It does not live in the water fulltime, although it does go in the water temporarily to get a drink, and likes to bask in puddles. Because of this, it is referred to as a "land turtle," as opposed to the species Red Eared Sliders who are in the water at all times, when not basking on a log.
The Western Box Turtle (Terrapene ornata), is found from Colorado to New Mexico. It is similar its eastern cousin but is typically smaller. Its shell is marked with yellow lines.
When pet box turtles are overfed, they often become too plump to fit all the way inside their shells. This is not a big problem for a well-cared-for turtle in captivity, but a very big problem for the box turtle in it's natural habitat. Fortunately, box turtles in the wild rarely exceed their appropriate weight limit, and are therefore able to comfortably unhinge their plastrons and tuck the whole turtle safely inside.
Box Turtle Diet
Box turtles are omnivores meaning they eat a combination of meat and vegetables. In the wild, they forage for what they can. Pet box turtles will be quite happy with some leafy greens and some "meatballs" of lightly cooked ground turkey with some mashed vegetables in the meatball. They are sometimes not too good about eating their greens, just like some people! But it's important to keep their diet well balanced to maintain their good health. If properly cared for, your pet turtle can live well into its twenties.
Asian Box Turtles
Even though they bear a close resemblance to our North American box turtles, Asian Box Turtles have a different facial structure that gives them very appealing or "cute" expressions.
The biggest difference it that the Asian Box Turtle is in the water all the time, or 90% of it. Plus, it gravitates toward a very warm environment.
Asian box turtles tend to be less aggressive than North American box turtles. aqualandpetsplus.com [1]
Box Turtle Hinges
2 species of box turtles in the United States - Eastern Box Turtle in the video. Small size, 7". Hinged plastron. 60-100 years in captivity. Only males have red eyes in the box turtles.
References
Fast Facts
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North American Box Turtles
North American box turtles can be found near waterways, but not in the water fulltime.
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Asian Box Turtles
Asian box turtles are prevalent in warmer temperatures.
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Diet
The box turtle is an omnivore, eating both meat and vegetables.
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Size
Box turtles are small, about a maximum of 8 inches long.
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Lifespan
Box turtles can live an average of 40 years.
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Defense
When upset, a box turtle unhinges its plastron and hides inside its shell.
