Kingdom Animalia Order Testudines Genus Terrapene Higher classification Terrapene | Phylum Chordata Family Emydidae Scientific name Terrapene ornata Rank Species | |
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Lower classifications Ornate box turtle, Desert box turtle | ||
Ornate box turtle terrapene ornata luteola
Terrapene ornata is a species of North American box turtle sometimes referred to as the western box turtle or ornate box turtle.
Contents
- Ornate box turtle terrapene ornata luteola
- Ornate box turtle terrapene ornata
- Taxonomy
- Description
- Range
- Conservation
- Symbol
- References
Ornate box turtle terrapene ornata
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.
Symbol
The species became the official state reptile of Kansas in 1986.
