CAROLIN BOX TURTLE (Terropene Carolina)

There are 6 subspecies of the Carolina box.

The domed, brown or black-brown carapace has a barely noticeable stepped keel. The shell is adorned with yellow, orange, olive spots and stripes that resemble letters of the alphabet.

So, on the side shields there is a sharply defined letter “E” of a beautiful golden yellow color.

These intricate writings superbly hide the turtle in the thickets; its protective color is impeccable. At the Florida box subspecies T. p. baurishields are slightly swollen and have radial lines. The plastron is yellowish and sometimes covered with dark spots. The oblong, ovoid head is covered with brown and yellow spots.

The hooked upper jaw, which looks like a beak of a bird of prey, is noteworthy.

Females are somewhat larger and their plastron is smooth; males have a long tail and a depressed plastron. The gender of the Caroline turtles, in addition to the generally accepted methods of determination, can be determined by the iris of the eye - in the male it is from orange to red-brown, in the female - from yellow to pale yellow.

It reaches a length of 15-17 cm (depending on the subspecies accessory); the largest subspecies are three-fingered (18 cm) and coastal (22 cm). Distributed in the eastern states of the United States from the north (southeastern Canada, Maine) to the south (Louisiana and Texas); Michigan, Wisconsin, Illinois, Kentucky, Tennessee, Mississippi limit the western outskirts of the range. Further, the range goes to eastern and southeastern Mexico (Nuevo Leon, Veracruz, Yucatan, Quintana Roo).

The ecological features of the species are extremely heterogeneous, and it is not so easy for the Carolina box turtle to imitate the conditions of the terrarium - however, this is not surprising with such an extensive range.

Various authors vied to report conflicting information about the habitat of the Caroline tortoise, and, summing up all this information, we must proceed from the fact that everything depends on a specific population, and within it, individual preferences from individual to individual should be taken into account.

Nevertheless, most of its range is characterized by dry and hot summers, but harsh winters.

So, it lives in relatively dry areas, including mixed and foothill forests, but is attached to water bodies, which can be lakes, shallow ponds, and even puddles. The main thing is the constancy of water. After spring rains, turtles crawl out of hibernation, seek new shelters and feed, rummaging in forest litter.

As for their nutrition, these are very “comfortable” animals: they are omnivores. True, young animals prefer animal food. They eat earthworms, any mollusks, including naked slugs (with obvious disgust, cleansing the mucus from the muzzle with their forepaws), wood lice, any insects, their larvae and caterpillars, small salamanders and frogs, as well as flowers, berries and mushrooms, and poisonous. It is believed that old turtles switch exclusively to a mushroom diet.

They say that in the past, people who ate the box turtle were poisoned and died, as the poison of the mushrooms was concentrated in the body of the turtle.

In natural conditions, she eats carrion. So, turtles attract colonies of herons and other fish-eating birds. Pieces of half-rotten fish that fell from the nests are a real treat for the Caroline tortoise.

In captivity, she eats fodder invertebrates (flour crust and its larvae, cockroaches and others), newborn mice, beef liver and heart, fish, dandelions, any fruits, cabbage, carrots and lettuce. Lovers of past times offered them, in addition to the above, meat, bread and boiled potatoes and reported that the Caroline tortoise was “crazy” about half-rotten bananas.

To prevent turtles from picking, before feeding vegetables are grated and mixed with offal or fish, adding salad and oat sprouts. Add bone meal to the mixture once a week and once a month - “tetravite” at the rate of one drop per turtle. So, in any case, fed the Caroline turtles in the Moscow Zoo.

In hot summers, Caroline turtles appear early in the morning, along the dew, eating plants, and also towards evening, especially warm rains. With severe drought, they go into hibernation for several weeks, only appearing for a short autumn period.

Other populations, in contrast, are water supporters; keep in the meadows and swamps and not only swim, but also dive. The aquatic lifestyle is more characteristic of young animals. They like to take “mud baths” very much.

In nature, an oriental box turtle (T. p. Carolina)goes into hibernation for several winter months, burrowing in silt, rotting vegetation at the edges of streams and lakes, forest litter, as well as in half-rotten stumps.

In warm weather, box turtles are usually released into the outdoor premises of the terrarium. The terrarium should be spacious (at least 1 m 2 per pair), because these turtles are very mobile and tend to wander. In nature, they travel long distances, but at the same time remain attached to their territory. Their individuality should be taken into account in captivity.

At the Moscow Zoo, five turtles (2 males and 3 females) were kept in a terrarium 200X70X50 cm in size. The pool (45 x 40 x 20 cm) was covered with wet peat. Sometimes peat is 1/3 mixed with sand and 1/3 - with potted earth; substrate layer — 8-10 cm.

As in nature, some individuals lead an exclusively terrestrial lifestyle, while others prefer moist habitats, where they immerse themselves in water and bask in it for a long time. There is a mention when one instance T. p. Carolinahe used to swim in the outer pond at least four times a day with water turtles, and he was heated with them on the island. The proper temperature for this subspecies is from +20 ° С to +28 "С, and it should not fall for a long time. Relative humidity - 70-80%.

In the outdoor room, a heated house should be adapted, where turtles can take shelter for the period of bad weather, although they can withstand for a short period and even lower temperature.

Tournaments of Caroline turtles are fierce and last for hours; the same applies to hours of mating; it occurs in shallow water.

In early summer, the female lays in the sun 2— 7 round white eggs, carefully digging them. The Caroline tortoise recorded 4 clutches per season. Hatching occurs from 50 to 90 days; the hatching period is 150 days.

In captivity, the hatching rate determines the incubation temperature (from +22 ° C to +31 ° C). The Caroline tortoise retains the ability to store active male sperm for 5 years.

As the experience of the Moscow Zoo showed, before mating for box turtles, an artificial wintering was organized for a month at a temperature of +8 ° С +13 ° С. The wintering box with turtles was covered with shavings 10 cm thick and covered with hay on top.

After hibernation, the turtles began to mate actively, and on July 13, 1985, one female laid three eggs. After 53 days, 2 turtles hatched (eggs were incubated at a temperature of +29 ° C +30 ° C).

Under natural conditions, young turtles, not feeding, remain to winter together with adults, choosing a shelter from the northern winds and digging in loose soil. They appear at the end of April.

It was found that the growth of box turtles is influenced by many seasonal factors: temperature, precipitation, the abundance of grasshoppers that they feed on - climatic conditions  determine growth by accelerating or slowing it down.

The growth of the young Caroline tortoise in the first year of her life is 68%, in the second year - 28.6%, the third - 18% and the fourth - 13.3%.

The fourteen-year-old turtle grew by only 3%.

At the age of 5-7 they reach maturity, and a twenty-year-old tortoise can be considered a mother. There is evidence that they survived to 80 years and even exceeded the age-old limit.

Box turtles retain the ability to regenerate: the damaged carapace is replaced by one third within 1-2 years; in museums there are copies with a completely updated shell.

The Caroline tortoise quickly gets used to it in captivity, eats from the hand and can be trained in simple tricks, reinforcing reflexes with a treat. However, sometimes she bites the owner and, according to zoologists, "being annoyed, she also protects her life, bites and does not easily release what she grasps." As for the temperature regime, all this concerns the nominal subspecies, the so-called eastern box tortoise (T. p. Carolina),most cold resistant. Naturally, subspecies from the southern states of the USA (Louisiana, Florida, Texas) require higher thermal indicators.

Thus, it is advisable for an amateur to determine the type or subspecies of the box turtle, and, therefore, its origin and temperature in the terrarium.

The head of the SHORE, or LARGE BOX TURTLE (T. p. Major)light, and on the extremities there are no reddish spots. It lives from southeast Louisiana to western Florida. There are 4 claws on the hind legs.

The most spectacular, elegant of the box - MEXICAN (T. p. Mexicana).She has a similar pattern of carapace shields in the form of diverging rays, like the Florida (T. p. Bauri),it is adorned with yellow, red and brown. Inhabited in northeast Mexico, it, unlike YUKATAN (T. with. yucatana;eastern Mexico), has three claws on its hind limbs, like Florida. The Yucatan has four. She prefers semi-deserts and moorlands.

In addition to two subspecies of the Caroline tortoise living in Mexico, it is exclusively distributed in the same country rare view  - WATER BOXED, or BOWLED COAUIL (T. coahuila),named after the Mexican state and limited by streams and swamps near the town of Cuatro Sienegas. She remained addicted to aquatic environment, she has a monophonic carapace, and on her hind legs pronounced swimming membranes.

Rather, BOX TURTLE NELSON (T. nelsoni)dry-loving; It lives in the Mexican states of Sonora, Sinaloa and Nayarit. Obviously, both two subspecies and two species of box turtles from Mexico require a higher temperature than turtles in temperate regions.

More interesting articles

The Caroline Box Turtle is a small animal that inhabits the coasts of eastern Canada and the United States of America. The animal is popular in America. Carolina box turtle is increasingly being bought as a pet. This breed of reptile almost does not need water. They spend all their time on land. In winter, the animal prefers not to enter the water at all. The body color is unusual. The main color is black. On the skin, the shell there are many curved lines of orange. The upper part of the legs is completely orange. The length of the shell does not exceed eighteen centimeters. The length of the head becomes approximately eight centimeters. You can distinguish males from females by eye color. In males they are bright red. Female individuals have darker eyes (burgundy).

Several times a year, the female can give offspring. The mating period is repeated three times in twelve months, the process lasts three months. Up to ten little turtles can be born at a time. They live in captivity for about twenty-five years. You can breed animals at the age of ten. Life expectancy depends on the environment. It is not recommended to breed turtles at home. If the female laid eggs, they must be moved to a special room where the babies hatch under ultraviolet rays.

Recently, Carolina box turtles are becoming increasingly popular. Due to endurance, ease of maintenance, this breed of turtles perfectly survives in people's homes. A pet can live in a small aquarium. Cover the bottom with a thick layer of sand, peat. Remember: turtles equally need water, land. Therefore, it is necessary to build such an aquarium where the pet can crawl ashore. It is advisable to change the water once every seven days. The aquarium can be filled with ordinary tap water, the temperature of which should not be below twenty degrees. Too warm water is also forbidden to pour. The bottom of the "refuge" is allowed to decorate with algae. Among the plants, the reptile will feel comfortable. Above the shore, place a lamp with ultraviolet rays that will warm the pet. Make sure that the turtle does not crawl out of the aquarium. It is not recommended to arrange the animal "walk" on the floor (carpet). He can accidentally swallow the “garbage", which will lead to sad consequences.

The Caroline inhabitants of the reservoirs feed on meat, squid, massive worms, snails. You can also give your pet a fish with bones. It is better not to give pork, chicken. Turtles eat the liver perfectly. Weekly you can feed the animal with carrots, apples, cabbage, milk. From greens, spinach and salad are suitable. At the pet store you can buy special food.

Young turtles are allowed to be kept with the fish. But with age, it is better to relocate them, because adults can start hunting small inhabitants of the aquarium. Get along well with other breeds of turtles, snakes, lizards, frogs.

Terrapene SPP. (Menem, 1820)
AMERICAN TURTLE TURTLE

General information.
  These turtles are called box turtles because they have movable hinges on the plastron that allow turtles to completely hide inside the carapace. The position of the hinges on the shell has great importance  - in American box turtles, it differs fundamentally from the location of the hinges of the genus Kinixys (the Kiniks also have hinges, but they are in the back of the carapace).
  This is a very effective defense mechanism, which is a good example of solving such problems in the process of evolution. In the New World, the representatives of the articulated turtles are the genera Terrapene and Rhinoclemys, in Asia - Cuora and Pyxidea.

Systematics.
  American box turtles belong to the genus Terrapene. AT North America There are 2 species, each of which is divided into subspecies: Terrapene Carolina (4 subspecies - Terrapene Carolina Carolina, T. s. triunguis, T. s. major and T. s. bauri) and Terrapene ornata (2 subspecies - Terrapene ornata ornata and T.O. luteola). Two rare Mexican forms of Terrapene Carolina - T. s. yucatana and T. s. almost no captive mexicana. In Mexico, there are two other species of box turtles - Terrapene coahuila and Terrapene nelsoni, which are also very rarely found in captivity.

Description.
  Box turtles have a characteristic domed carapace, which in some forms has a pronounced keel along the spine. Terrapene Carolina Carolina lives from Maine to the extreme south, this turtle varies greatly in color, but more often has yellow and orange stripes and spots on a brown background. T. p. triunguis is found in Georgia, East Texas and Missouri; it can also have a very diverse color - some specimens are simple olive or reddish-brown, while others have bright spots on a brownish-red background.

The main distinguishing feature is three toes on the hind legs, unlike the usual four, although this cannot be an unmistakable criterion. It may be difficult for an inexperienced owner to distinguish T. s. Carolina and T. p. triunguis. Both turtles are similar in size, most adults reach a size of 120 - 130 mm and weigh 470 g. Any description of North American box turtles can be quite arbitrary, since crosses often occur between different forms, and similar hybrids are not so rare.

T. p. major is most different in both shape and size. This is the largest of the box turtles, found from southwest Georgia to east Texas. Females have a carapace size of 160 mm and a weight of 635 g. T. s. major uniform dark color, almost black with radial light marks or spots on the carapace, although in some instances such spots may be absent. Legs T. s. major have stronger ribbing than other members of T. Carolina.
  T. p. Bauri - the last of this group - is found in Florida. This type of carapace is similar to T. ornata carapace, but the plastron is usually very inexpressive and has almost no color, and the hallmark is the two yellow stripes on the head - in contrast to the characteristic orange-white irregular stripes of T. s. triunguis and T. p. Carolina.

Terrapene ornata is the smallest tortoise, very beautifully painted, its hallmark are bright yellow-green spots on the ears. This tortoise is prone to a more terrestrial lifestyle than T. Carolina. The two subspecies are very similar to each other, but differ in the absence of a pattern on the plastron, rays on the carapace (often very faint) and yellow shields on T.’s head. luteola.

Conditions of detention.
Different types  and subspecies of the American box turtle live in various geographical areas - from light forests in the case of T. Carolina Carolina to marshes, like T c. major. It is very difficult to draw any conclusions about the environmental preferences of these turtles. However, despite their belonging to the Emydidae family, all of them are mostly terrestrial semi-aquatic turtles.

In captivity, the main indicator for them is the level of humidity and time spent in or near the water. Some box turtles, especially T c. bauri and T. s. triunguis, more aquatic than others. They will swim a lot and even dive to get food. They are more active in warm, damp weather - especially during a thunderstorm (this is also the most favorable time for laying eggs). Others, including G. ornata, prefer drier conditions. In particular, T. ornata lives in meadows and savannahs near the river, preferring pastures and light forests.

All types of American box turtles are free to live in most of Europe, as well as in southern areas  Russia - at least in the spring, summer and early fall. The air temperature on the street should correspond to the temperature of their natural habitat, in this case, life in the open air is the best for them. The internal terrariums contain only sick animals or those that need special supervision. In a good outdoor enclosure there should be several square meters of free space, a pond of sufficient size for drinking and swimming, a lot of different grass and some shelters, as well as an impenetrable fence, preferably from plywood or wire mesh, so that animals do not run away and that inside predators could enter. One part of the enclosure can be glazed to form a mini-greenhouse with additional heating. In general, American box turtles are very careful and want to feel safe when approaching a pond or feeder, especially during the breeding season.

Box turtles usually hibernate from November to March, although some southern populations are an exception. As a substrate, they use dirt, fallen leaves, etc. In captivity, coconut flakes and forest litter. There is reliable information about box turtles, which choose the bottom of ponds as wintering shelters. But this method is not recommended for use in captivity, since the conditions in many water bodies can be very different from ideal, which usually causes a number of problems and even leads to the death of animals. If turtles still have to winter, it is better to use a wet terrarium with additional heating and preferably with fluorescent lighting.

Terrarium must not be allowed to dry out , because of the low humidity they have various ear diseases. In nature, with prolonged drought or severe warming, American box turtles fall into hibernation, sometimes burrowing into the soil for weeks. T. p. major prefer higher temperatures than other subspecies of Terrapene Carolina, except T. s. bauri. Therefore, T. s. major should preferably be kept at daytime temperatures of 27 - 32 ° C, with an external range, if possible. Nighttime temperatures can drop to 20 C. Humidity should be very high, sometimes even above 95%. T. p. major feel much better if they hibernate. T. p. bauri in nature do not fall into hibernation  and should be in the winter in a warm and humid environment. Terrapene ornata is another species that hibernates in the northern parts of its range, and is in a semi-active state in the southern parts.

Diet.
  All turtles belonging to this genus are omnivores. In nature, they eat not only berries and other fruits, but also snails, insect larvae, caterpillars, earthworms, crickets, tadpoles, slugs and beetles in addition to mushrooms and green plants. Some can bust nests with chicks. Teenagers are much more carnivorous than adults. Terrapene ornata retains its carnivorous and carnivorous preferences in adulthood. Crickets and locusts are a favorite treat of this species, and they can often seduce animals that for some reason do not eat. In captivity, if there is outdoor walking, turtles also receive a lot of natural green food.

Turtles prefer to eat at dawn or dusk, especially during or after heavy rain. However, in any case, additional feeding is necessary. Usually it includes a wide range of berries and fruits, such as cherries, apples, bananas or melons, plus vegetables, leafy greens, cauliflower, green and red peppers, tomatoes, mushrooms, etc. As protein feed, you can offer mice, locusts and snails. Calcium supplements must be added to the feed to balance the high levels of phosphorus found in protein feed.

The main diseases.
  Abscesses in the ear. They are treated surgically, but they can be easily prevented if basic hygiene is maintained and good water quality is maintained, as well as the required level of humidity. Often there are eye infections that occur for the same reasons. Most diseases of these turtles (however, like many others) are associated exclusively with the wrong content.

Reproduction.
  Establishing sex in American box turtles can cause some difficulties. However, T. Carolina males often have red ears, while females have yellow ears. Sometimes this also applies to T. ornata (especially to G. o. luteola), but not always. In addition, males have longer and thicker tails than females; some species have a concave plastron, especially T. Carolina. This factor is completely absent in T. ornata.
  The mating process in species of the genus Terrapene is very curious. In the first stage, the legs of the male are pinched by the female plastron. The process can take several hours - unlike other terrestrial species, in which mating occurs quickly. Mating is preceded by biting, whirling and jerking, during which the male often uses his front paws to rotate the female.

All captive box turtles can be bred under similar conditions. G. s. Carolina and G. s. triunguis usually lay 3-5 eggs of elongated shape (sometimes even 8), 32 x 20 mm in size, with a hard shell. They are incubated at a humidity of 90% in sphagnum or a mixture of vermiculite and peat. Normal humidity is a very important factor, as eggs absorb moisture from the environment. Low humidity will cause the masonry to dry out. At an incubation temperature of 26 - 28 ° C, hatching occurs after 70 - 85 days. This genus has a temperature dependence of the laying of the floor, but it can vary from subspecies to subspecies. In T. with Carolina and T. s. triungouis eggs incubated at 22.5 - 27 ° C will give predominantly males, exclusively females will hatch at 28.5 ° C and above. The extreme points of incubation temperature are 22 - 34 ° С. The size of newborns is on average 28-30 mm and weight is about 7 g.

Chinese tortoise

The population of the Chinese box turtle has recently declined significantly due to the fact that it has been exported to the United States for many years as a raw material for medicines.

It lives in southern China, Taiwan and the island of Ryukyu.

APPEARANCE

The carapace is convex, carapace and plastron are painted in dark brown, the plastron is bordered with light yellow, a clear light yellow band runs along the back. Unlike most species in which the plastron is connected to the carapace by a bone bridge, the Chinese box turtle has movable joints called ligaments. The carapace fastened in this way provides a safe haven in case of danger.

There are 5 claws on the front limbs of animals, and 4 on the hind legs. The upper part of the head is light green, bright yellow stripes run from the eyes to the back of the head. Neck and chin of apricot, pink or yellow. Sexual dimorphism is weakly expressed: the tail in males is somewhat wider and longer than in females.

The length of the carapace of the young Chinese box turtle is 31–44 mm, weight - from 8 to 13 g.

LIFESTYLE

Under natural conditions, turtles live in a subtropical or temperate zone, in a wooded area or in rice fields, near water bodies overgrown with dense vegetation.

The process of mating Chinese box turtles occurs on land. He is preceded by the courtship of the male for the female: he either chases his girlfriend to turn her over, or rubs his head on her chin. Sometimes the male gently nibbles the female. The courtship process of Chinese box turtles is accompanied by mating songs resembling a whistle. Courtship ends at the moment when the male bites the female and thereby stops her. The forward legs of the female, extended forward, mean her consent to start pairing, after which the male climbs onto her carapace.

In warm climates, turtles mate throughout the year. If several animals are kept in the aquaterrarium, one can observe manifestations of aggression of adult males towards other males of their species, while they are indifferent to turtles of other species.

The birth of a young Chinese box turtle

In vivo, females begin to construct nests in March. As a rule, for this they choose a rather shady place with moist, loose soil. Before laying eggs, females dig several pits with a depth of about 10 cm. During the year, females of Chinese turtles make several clutches. In the laying of large females, there are 2-3 eggs, small ones lay 1 egg each. The incubation period lasts 80–90 days.

Newborn cubs of the Chinese box turtle quickly run and begin to get food already on the 5th day after birth (in the first days they feed on the supply of the yolk sac). The shape of the shell and the color of the babies resemble adult turtles, but they have longer tails and on the light yellow patterns of the side plates you can see blotches of pink color.

Chinese box turtles are kept in spacious terrariums with clear water  and bright lighting. In areas with a warm climate, these animals can be kept outdoors in a specially equipped corral. Adults are left in the pen for winter, because turtles of this species can tolerate fairly cold (about -24 ° C) winter. Burrowing into the soil, animals hibernate.

In the diet of Chinese box turtles, animal feed must be present ( earthworms, snails, slugs, flour worms) and vegetable (strawberries, melon, bananas, carrots, corn on the cob) origin. Approximately 1 time per week, calcium supplements or bone meal should be included in the diet.

For better development of young turtles, the water in the aquarium is changed daily. As the kids grow, the volume of water in the aquarium increases.

Since the females of the Chinese box turtle do not show maternal instinct, the owner will need to take care of the babies born in captivity. For this, the cubs are placed in the aquarium, after pouring the settled water there at a temperature of 23–25 ° C, so that its layer is no more than 1–1.5 cm. The aquarium must have a platform of stones and soil, a heating lamp above it, and mineral top dressing. To feed small turtles, a small amount of a small tubule or bloodworm is released directly into the water.

Upon reaching 6 months of age, turtles are placed in a common terrarium or corral in the open air. The length of the carapace of a 6-month-old cub reaches 60 mm, body weight - 80–90 g. During the mating period of adult individuals, the cubs are removed from the common terrarium.

Quite often, even a turtle purchased from a pet store has any health problems that most often arise due to improper care for the animal during transportation or because of the cramped terrarium. Therefore, when choosing pets at a pet store, you should pay attention to their appearance  and behavior.

Inexperienced owners of turtles make the same mistakes: do not let animals out into the fresh air, keep them in dry food. Turtles that are not on fresh airquite often suffer from sombrero syndrome: their carapace is wide and flattened, and the limbs are weak.

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Terrapene carolina

Not available

(Terrapene carolina)

Class - Reptiles

Squad - Turtles

Family - Freshwater

Rod - Box

Terrapene carolina carolina -  Carapax is short, wide and brightly colored. Edge flaps are almost vertical and slightly overhang. Four fingers on hind legs.
Terrapene carolina major  - The largest subspecies with elongated carapace and four toes on its hind legs. The pattern on the carapace is either absent or represented by a fuzzy tan pattern. The edge on the marginal flaps is well defined.
Terrapene carolina triunguis  - The carapace is tan or olive with a fuzzy pattern. There are orange or yellow spots on the head and forelegs. In males, the head is often red. On the hind legs, usually 3 fingers.
Terrapene carolina bauri  - Carapax with a bright pattern, consisting of light radial lines. There are three characteristic lines on the head. There are usually three toes on the hind legs.
Terrapene carolina yucatana- The carapace is tall, domed, tan or straw with dark rays and dark edges of the shields. The third vertebral flap acts as a hump. The back edge flaps protrude slightly. There are four fingers on the hind legs.
Terrapene carolina mexicana  - Carapax elongated, tall, domed. The third vertebral flap acts as a hump. The posterior marginal flaps protrude moderately. On the hind legs 3 fingers.

Appearance

The length of the carapace is up to 20-23 cm. Its color is quite bright - bright yellow spots and stripes stand out sharply against a dark gray background. The iris of the eyes is especially beautiful, which in males has a bright red color, and in females it is reddish-brown. There are two hinges on the plastron that can tightly seal the shell if the turtle retracts its head, legs and tail. The ability to completely hide in the shell appeared in the name of the type of turtle - box.

Habitat

USA from the south of Maine south to Florida including the Florida Keys islands and west to Michigan, Illinois, Kansas, Oklahoma and Texas, a population in New York. Turtles are also found in Mexico near the Gulf of Mexico.

It inhabits open meadows, pastures and swamps. The Caroline tortoise lives in forests, usually close to ponds or streams, but is sometimes found in open places - in meadows, swamps, or in dry hilly areas.

In nature

Ambient temperature affects the activity of turtles. Optimum temperature  29-38 degrees C. In hot summers T. carolina is activated only in the morning and after rain. During the heat, the turtle crawls into shelter under the logs or settles in a pile of leaves, hides in the burrows of other animals or in the mud. Sometimes she crawls into puddles to cool herself.
  In spring and autumn turtles feed throughout the day and occasionally crawl out to bask in the sun. Terrapene carolina usually shows activity during the day and spends the night in shelter.
  In the northern regions, T. carolina settles down in a hole for long winter hibernation already in October-November. They dig a hole in the loose earth, on the clay banks of streams or rivers a meter deep, they can use burrows of other animals. Turtles often return to their wintering places from year to year, and several turtles can sleep in the same burrow. In the case of a warm winter, they can crawl out of the winter holes and rush in search of other places to continue the wintering. Turtles awaken in April. In the south, the turtle is active year-round.

The food for the tortoise is earthworms, newborn mice, liver, fish, shellfish, insects, as well as plant foods: greens, lettuce, cabbage, carrots, mushrooms, berries. Turtles also eat poisonous mushrooms without visible harm to their health. Perhaps that is why there have been cases of poisoning of people with meat of Caroline turtles.

Breeding

Turtles begin to mate in spring and end in October. Males can mate with more than one female, or they mate with one female for several years in a row. After mating, the female can lay fertilized eggs for 4 years. Egg laying takes place from May to July. Females begin to nest at dusk and end at night. She prefers sandy soil and digs her hind legs, then shews eggs on the soil. In the clutch of 3-8 eggs, usually 4-5, they are covered with a thin elastic shell of an elliptical shape 3 cm long and 2 cm wide. Typically, incubation lasts 3 months, but may vary depending on soil temperature and humidity. The sex of the Terrapene carolina turtles is determined by the temperature of the soil in which the eggs are located. At a temperature of 22-27 degrees C, males are born, and over 28 degrees - females. Turtles Terrapene carolina are well developed at birth and begin to grow rapidly, hatching from an egg: the first five years they increase in length by 1.5 cm, and by this time they reach maturity. After that, growth slows down, but lasts up to 20 years. Some individuals of T. carolina live over 100 years. Along the boundaries of the subspecies, individuals of different subspecies of turtles can mate and produce hybrids, which cannot be identified or established.

In the marriage ritual, different subspecies have some differences. So, the courtship of T. carolina Carolina is divided into three phases: the male circling around the female, while he bites her; preliminary stage before mating, when the male tries to perch on the female; mating itself. Terrapene carolina major courtship and mating occur simultaneously, and turtles prefer to do this in shallow water. Terrapene carolina triunguis and bauri have different rituals. Male subspecies T. carolina triunguis and T.carolina bauri stretch their necks in front of the females and shake them. The male Terrapene carolina triunguis demonstrates this pose in front of the female, and the male T. carolina bauri climbs the female's carapace with all four paws and begins to shake there. Mating occurs in a similar way: the male rises almost vertically, attached to the back of the female's carapace, and begins to balance during fertilization. After the process is completed, the males sometimes tip over on their backs, and if they do not find the strength to rise in themselves, they may die from exhaustion.

With an air temperature of 20-28C and a relative humidity of 70-80%. As, you can use land mixed with sand or peat. The thickness of the soil layer is 8-10cm. Be sure to have a spacious shallow pool in which turtles love to lie.

The eating habits of these turtles depend on temperature, lighting, and their environment. Unlike warm-blooded animals, their metabolism does not cause their appetite, instead, they can only reduce their level of activity and not eat food until good conditions arise. These turtles are omnivorous, feed on plant and animal foods. Beloved are earthworms, snails, slugs, beetle larvae, caterpillars, herbs, fallen fruits, berries, mushrooms, flowers, bread and carrion.

In captivity, if there is outdoor walking, turtles also receive a lot of natural green food.

Turtles prefer to eat at dawn or dusk, especially during or after heavy rain. However, in any case, additional feeding is necessary. Usually it includes a wide range of berries and fruits, such as cherries, apples, bananas or melons, plus vegetables, leafy greens, cauliflower, green and red peppers, tomatoes, mushrooms, etc. As protein feed, you can offer mice, locusts and snails. Calcium must be added to the feed to balance the high levels of phosphorus found in protein feed.