The eastern box turtle is a land dwelling turtle ranging from 5 to 8 inches long and is known to live upwards of 70 years of age. Box turtles carry a domed shell equipped with a distinctive hinged plastron. Box turtles use this hinged plastron to completely disappear inside their shell in an attempt to escape threats. This unique shell design allows for the eastern box turtle to float rather than effectively swim. This subspecies of box turtle possesses long claws for digging, a sharp beak for hunting, and keen sense of smell for foraging. Variations of color patterns including different blotches of yellow, orange, black, red, and brown allow for this species to maintain excellent camouflage in its native range. Both male and female eastern box turtles are known to have red eyes though less striking, brown eyes are as equally occurring.
The eastern box turtle is native throughout the eastern portion of the United States as far north as Michigan and as far south as Florida. Box turtles are active when the air temperature is between 75 and 100 degrees. Dependant on where the specific animal is located will determine its brumation process. This species of Box Turtle is terrestrial though never found far from riparian environments. Eastern box turtles can be found throughout woodlands and shrubby grasslands often near the edges of a wetland. Eastern box turtles enjoy damp and moist environments in which they can occupy by estivating themselves into different substrates. Box turtles prefer dappled sunlight rather than basking directly under the sun, this allows them to regulate their body temperature at will. Eastern box turtles will enter the shallow edges of different bodies of water willingly though elect not to swim in deeper water.
Eastern box turtles are ultimately omnivorous animals though tend to have a high protein carnivorous diet during the early stages of their life. As juveniles feed mostly on animal matter The main staples of their diet consist of earthworms, slugs, grubs, slugs, and snails. Adult eastern box turtles feed on mostly plant matter including varying fruits, fungi, berries, and roots. Though box turtles tend to forage in the crepuscular hours of the day they tend to eat every other day or so. Eastern box turtles actively hunt for their food though are known to consume decaying matter and carrion as well. A healthy adult box turtle can go months without food. Water is something all box turtles will actively seek out. Drinking habits of Eastern box turtles vary on the rainfall in that particular region. Box turtles will regularly wallow in shallow water while drinking in order to maintain hydration levels. Water should always be provided to box turtles while living in captivity.
Caring for an eastern box turtle is a commitment that can last a lifetime. This specific species of box turtle needs a large enclosure in which it can experience several different temperature gradients. Ambient temperatures should be held at around 80°F to 90°F with shaded areas reaching as low as 70°F. UVB lighting is essential for the proper shell growth of a box turtle. humidity levels must consistently stay in the 70 to 80% range while also allowing access to water at all times. Having a deep substrate in which your turtle can borrow in to feel secure is essential for the animals well-being. Eastern box turtles can brumate outdoors if within native range or can be kept indoors throughout winter. Box turtles can be housed in groups or separately.