How difficult is it to keep Ornate Box Turtle?

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

What is the lifespan of Ornate Box Turtle?

The average lifespan of Ornate Box Turtle is Few captive lifespan data (it takes 7-10+ years to mature). With proper care and nutrition, they can live a long and healthy life.

How large does Ornate Box Turtle get?

Ornate Box Turtle typically reaches Maximum carapace length 14 cm (females larger) as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.

What should I feed Ornate Box Turtle?

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

What is the typical price for Ornate Box Turtle?

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

Source: Wikimedia Commons

Ornate Box Turtle

Intermediate

Terrapene ornata

A box turtle of the central North American grasslands with yellow radiating lines on a black to dark brown shell. At up to 14 cm it is the smallest Terrapene, with a somewhat flattened carapace.

Difficulty

Intermediate

Temperature

25〜32℃

Lifespan

Few captive lifespan data (it takes 7-10+ years to mature)

Size

Maximum carapace length 14 cm (females larger)

Humidity

40〜70%

Diet

Omnivore (insects, worms, fruit, plants)

About

The ornate box turtle is an emydid box turtle of the central United States (including Wisconsin, Illinois, Iowa, Nebraska, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico and Arizona) and northern Mexico, and the state reptile of Kansas. At a maximum carapace length of 14 cm it is the smallest Terrapene, and females are larger than males. The shell is flatter than in other box turtles, black or dark brown with radiating yellow or tan markings. Two subspecies have traditionally been recognized, the nominate form and the desert box turtle (T. o. luteola) of drier country, but the Reptile Database follows TTWG (2025) in recognizing none. It lives on flat or gently rolling grassland with few trees, basks readily and retreats to shade, burrows or water when overheated. It overwinters in other animals' burrows or holes it digs itself, typically deeper than those of sympatric eastern box turtles. Habitat loss and collection for the pet trade have reduced numbers, and US states regulate collection. After the 1995 CITES listing, exports from the United States nearly stopped, so small numbers of animals captive-bred in Europe and Japan make up the Japanese trade.

Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Lifespan of the Ornate Box Turtle

The Ornate Box Turtle lives Few captive lifespan data (it takes 7-10+ years to mature).

Size of the Ornate Box Turtle

The Ornate Box Turtle grows to Maximum carapace length 14 cm (females larger).

Basic Info

Origin

Central to south-western United States and northern Mexico

Lifespan

Few captive lifespan data (it takes 7-10+ years to mature)

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 ornata (Agassiz, 1857)

Synonyms: Cistudo ornata Agassiz, 1857, Terrapene longinsulae Hay, 1908

Authority databases: GBIF · The Reptile Database: Terrapene ornata · GBIF: Terrapene ornata

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. The whole genus Terrapene has been listed since 1995.

Sources: Species+ (CITES): Terrapene ornata

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