Scientific name Terrapene carolina major Higher classification Common box turtle Order Turtle | Subphylum Vertebrata Genus Terrapene Phylum Chordata Rank Subspecies | |
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Similar Box turtle, Turtle, Common box turtle, Three‑toed box turtle, Reptile | ||
Gulf coast box turtles mating gcbt001 gcbt003 may 29 2015 640am
The Gulf Coast box turtle (Terrapene carolina major) is the largest subspecies of the North American box turtle (Terrapene carolina).
Contents
- Gulf coast box turtles mating gcbt001 gcbt003 may 29 2015 640am
- Gulf coast box turtle shell pattern oct 2013 gcbt001
- Description
- Geographic range
- Taxonomy and systematics
- Habitat
- References
Gulf coast box turtle shell pattern oct 2013 gcbt001
Description
Gulf Coast box turtles have a domed shell which can grow to 8 inches in shell length. It is generally dark brown or black in color, with yellow striping or blotching, the amount of blotching or striping can vary greatly.
Geographic range
The Gulf Coast box turtle can be found along the Gulf of Mexico from the state of Louisiana to the state of Florida.
Taxonomy and systematics
Intergrading with other subspecies of box turtle that it shares range with is not uncommon.
Habitat
They are often found around estuaries and swampy regions, near shallow, permanent bodies of water.
References
Gulf Coast box turtle Wikipedia(Text) CC BY-SA