The genus “Terrapene” is derived from the Algonquin word for “turtle”.
This species of turtle is largely terrestrial. It is slow growing, and moving, as you might imagine. Unfortunately the number of box turtles has declined so significantly that they are considered “vulnerable” status. Most turtle deaths are from vehicles and farm machinery.
Alternate Names: Woodland Box Turtle Size: 4.5-6" Family: Emydidae (Pond turtle family - although they are mostly terrestrial) Habitat: Wooded areas, including hardwood forests, mixed oak-pine forests, pine flatwoods, maritime oak forests, hardwood swamps, and agricultural areas Identifiers: Shell usually brown, sometimes black, with a highly variable pattern of orange to yellow lines, spots, or blotches; ventral surface of marginals brown to black, with variable amount of orange or yellow pigment in some individuals. (from Virginia Herpetological Society)
