Box Turtle

Box Turtle, common name for any member of a genus of North American tortoises. When frightened, it pulls in its head and legs and “boxes” itself up into its specially adapted shell. The lower shell, or plastron, is hinged, so that the front and rear parts can be brought up against the high-domed upper shell, or carapace, and closed tight. Box turtles are about 15 cm (6 in) long. They live mostly on dry land, but cool off in streams when it is hot. In winter they hibernate in soft soil. They feed on insects, worms, berries, and leaves, as well as toadstools poisonous to humans. Most live for about 40 years, although some have been known to live more than 100 years. A common species, the the eastern box turtle, is found throughout the eastern and central United States.

Scientific classification: Box turtles make up the genus Terrapene of the family Emydidae. The eastern box turtle is classified as Terrapene carolina.