Ornate Box Turtle (Terrapene ornata)
Turtles Around Las Vegas, Wildlife Around Las Vegas
 Desert Box Turtle on a highway in southeastern New Mexico |
General Description: Desert Box Turtles (Terrapene ornata luteola) are high-domed land turtles with a hinged plastron such that when alarmed, the turtle can pull in and completely close up the shell. The shell is black with many yellow lines. With a hooked bill, these turtles are capable of delivering a nasty bite. Taxonomy: Sliders (Emydidae). Also called Western Box Turtle. Where to Find: Don't look for Desert Box Turtles around Las Vegas. Rather, look for them from southern Arizona to west Texas and south into the border regions of Mexico. |
 Desert Box Turtle habitat in eastern New Mexico (evening light) |
 Desert Box Turtle on sandy soils in eastern New Mexico |
 Desert Box Turtle on a highway in southeastern New Mexico |
 Carefully moving a Desert Box Turtle off the highway |
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 Desert Box Turtle with ornate plastron marks |
 Desert Box Turtle with shovel-shaped front leg |
 Desert Box Turtle with elephantine hind foot |
 Live animal show - Arizona Sonora Desert Museum |
Note: All distances, elevations, and other facts are approximate.
; Last updated 240221
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