The Three-toed Box Turtle (Terrapene carolina triunguis) is a subspecies within a group of hinge-shelled turtles, normally referred to as box turtles. This subspecies is native to the south-central part of the United States.
Description
Three-toed box turtles have a domed shell which grows to an average 4.5 to 5 inches in length. The record for this subspecies is 7 inches. It gets its name from the fact that it has three toes on each of its hind-feet, but it can have four. The other subspecies of the eastern box turtle usually have four such toes. Consequently, identification is not based soully on the number of digits, but also on the location in which the turtle was found and its other phyisical characteristics.
The highest part of its carapace is more posteriorly positioned then in the other subspecies. The dorsal and limb coloration is commonly completely absent. These areas more often being a uniform olive green or tan color. Sometimes, faint yellow dots or lines are visible in the center of each large scute. The head and throat often display yellow, red, or orange spots. Frequently the plastron is a straw yellow color, and has far fewer dark markings on it than the plastrons of the other subspecies.
Distribution & Habitat
From the west to the east of its range, the three-toed box turtle can be found from eastern Texas to the northern edge of the Florida Panhandle. Its northern most habitat is in Missouri, while the southern most is in Louisiana. They interbreed with the other subspecies of eastern box turtles which overlap the boarders of this area. An example of this occurs in the eastern Mississippi valley where it can not be distinguished from the common box turtle. Being popular in the pet trade, they are sometimes found well outside of their home range. Its not know if these released turtles have any impact the local species of such areas.
Diet
They are omnivores, their diets varying with the seasons. These turtles are known to eat earthworms, insects, snails, slugs, strawberries, mushrooms, and green-leafed vegetation. They have been observed eating the eggs of quail. It has also been speculated that these turtles eat poisonous mushrooms, but are not themselves sickened by the mushroom’s toxins. Afterwards, the turtles then become poisonous themselves. Carr believes this to be the reason why a group of boys in Mississippi became ill after eating roasted three-toed box turtles. As pets, they have been reported to eat mealworms, crickets, waxworms, tomatos and even moist dog food. They are often very shy about being watched while eating and will stop and stare back if this happens.
Behavior
This subspecies is known to migrate seasonally in order to maintain their preferred humidity level. In Arkansas, three-toes box turtles was observed in grasslands in late spring, while in early spring, summer, and late fall they were found in forested areas. During dry times, they dig shallow burrows into leaf litter to conserve moisture. When water is available, these turtles soak for longer periods of time than any of the other subspecies.
Captive Environment
Three-toed box turtles require care similar to that of all eastern box turtles. Turtles fair best in large, outdoor enclosures. These enclosures should have plenty of room to allow the turtle to burrow, but should also be protected to prevent the turtle from burrowing under enclosure fencing. Indoors three-toed box turtles should be kept in mid to large sized enclosures (20+ gallons). The enclosure should have a high temperature side with a heat bulb and a lower temperature side that is naturally heated to room temperature. The enclosure should also contain a hiding spot for the turtle as well as an area where the turtle can soak. A moist floor for the enclosure promotes its health and prevents eye infections. Desert materials such as Gravel or sand would be too dry and difficult for the turtle to dig in. Many owners simply spray the surface area of the enclosure down at the beginning of the day in order to moisten the material and to increase the humidity of the enclosure.
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