How difficult is it to keep Florida Box Turtle?

Intermediate. This is an intermediate-level species. Some prior experience and knowledge of environmental management are recommended.

What is the ideal temperature for Florida Box Turtle?

The ideal temperature for Florida Box Turtle is 21〜32℃. Recommended humidity is 70〜90%. Avoid sudden temperature changes and maintain a stable environment.

How large does Florida Box Turtle get?

Florida Box Turtle typically reaches Carapace length 12.1-15.8 cm (females), 12.8-17.3 cm (males) as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.

What should I feed Florida Box Turtle?

Florida Box Turtle feeds on: Omnivore (snails, fruit, leaves, insects, fungi). Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.

What is the typical price for Florida Box Turtle?

The price of Florida Box Turtle varies significantly depending on morph, size, and lineage. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.

Source: Wikimedia Commons

Florida Box Turtle

Intermediate

Terrapene carolina bauri

The southernmost subspecies of the common box turtle. Bright yellow radiating lines on a dark, high-domed shell identify it, and it is less cold-tolerant than other subspecies.

Difficulty

Intermediate

Temperature

21〜32℃

Lifespan

Few captive lifespan data (plan for a long-lived pet)

Size

Carapace length 12.1-15.8 cm (females), 12.8-17.3 cm (males)

Humidity

70〜90%

Diet

Omnivore (snails, fruit, leaves, insects, fungi)

About

The Florida box turtle is Terrapene carolina bauri, a subspecies of the common box turtle in the family Emydidae. The Reptile Database currently recognizes three subspecies of T. carolina: the nominate form, this one and the Gulf Coast box turtle (T. c. major). It has the southernmost range, covering mainland Florida and extreme south-eastern Georgia, and it also occurs in the Florida Keys and on Gulf barrier islands. Its identifying feature is a pattern of distinct yellow radiating stripes on the domed carapace, which makes it easy to tell from other subspecies. The plastron varies from solid yellow to solid black. Males are larger: carapace length is 12.1-15.8 cm in females and 12.8-17.3 cm in males. It favors damp habitats such as wetlands, marsh edges and flatwoods but does not enter water deep enough to swim. It spends most of its life buried in litter or soil; activity slows from November to February, but because of the warm climate it does not fully brumate and is less tolerant of cold than other subspecies. It is an omnivore eating snails, fruit, leaves, insects, crustaceans and fungi. In Japan it is available through specialist shops.

Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Size of the Florida Box Turtle

The Florida Box Turtle grows to Carapace length 12.1-15.8 cm (females), 12.8-17.3 cm (males).

Temperature & humidity for the Florida Box Turtle

The ideal temperature for the Florida Box Turtle is 21〜32℃. Ideal humidity is 70〜90%.

Basic Info

Origin

Florida and extreme south-eastern Georgia, USA

Lifespan

Few captive lifespan data (plan for a long-lived pet)

References & Sources

Edited & verified by: BreederDirect editorial team

The taxonomic, regulatory, and husbandry data on this page are compiled and verified against the authoritative primary sources below.

Primary sources

Taxonomy & Authority

Accepted name: Terrapene carolina bauri Taylor, 1895

Authority databases: GBIF · The Reptile Database: Terrapene carolina · GBIF: Terrapene carolina bauri

Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.

Regulations & Conservation Status

CITES Appendix II

Listed in CITES Appendix II. International trade requires an export permit from the country of origin, but no registration is needed to keep or transfer the animal within Japan. For CITES purposes it falls under Terrapene carolina (the whole genus Terrapene has been in Appendix II since 1995).

Sources: Species+ (CITES): Terrapene carolina

Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.