How difficult is it to keep Gulf Coast Box Turtle?

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

How large does Gulf Coast Box Turtle get?

Gulf Coast Box Turtle typically reaches Large males exceed 20 cm carapace length (largest subspecies) as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.

What should I feed Gulf Coast Box Turtle?

Gulf Coast Box Turtle feeds on: Omnivore (insects, worms, fruit, leaves). Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.

What is the typical price for Gulf Coast Box Turtle?

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

Source: Wikimedia Commons

Gulf Coast Box Turtle

Intermediate

Terrapene carolina major

The largest subspecies of the common box turtle, from the Gulf Coastal Plain. Big males exceed 20 cm carapace length, and it uses water more than other subspecies.

Difficulty

Intermediate

Temperature

25〜32℃

Size

Large males exceed 20 cm carapace length (largest subspecies)

Humidity

40〜70%

Diet

Omnivore (insects, worms, fruit, leaves)

About

The Gulf Coast box turtle is Terrapene carolina major, a subspecies of the common box turtle found only on the Gulf Coastal Plain of Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana and Mississippi, USA. It is the largest subspecies, and big males can exceed 20 cm in midline carapace length. Males are larger than females and have a concave plastron to aid mating. It is dark brown to black with yellow stripes or blotches whose extent varies greatly. Morphological variation is very high and intergrades with the sympatric Florida, eastern and three-toed box turtles are not unusual, so assigning a subspecies from appearance alone is difficult. Butler et al. (2011) found no diagnosable morphology for major and suggested it arose through introgression between eastern box turtles and the extinct T. c. putnami. It is often found around estuaries and swamps near shallow permanent water and uses water more than other subspecies. It is not common in the Japanese trade and appears only occasionally in specialist shops.

Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Size of the Gulf Coast Box Turtle

The Gulf Coast Box Turtle grows to Large males exceed 20 cm carapace length (largest subspecies).

Basic Info

Origin

Gulf Coastal Plain of the USA (Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi)

Size

Large males exceed 20 cm carapace length (largest subspecies)

Temperature

25〜32℃

Humidity

40〜70%

Diet

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 major (Agassiz, 1857)

Synonyms: Cistudo major Agassiz, 1857

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

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.