How difficult is it to keep Three-toed Box Turtle?

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

How large does Three-toed Box Turtle get?

Three-toed Box Turtle typically reaches Carapace length 13-18 cm as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.

What should I feed Three-toed Box Turtle?

Three-toed Box Turtle feeds on: Omnivore (earthworms, insects, snails, fruit, mushrooms, leaves). Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.

What is the typical price for Three-toed Box Turtle?

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

Source: Wikimedia Commons

Three-toed Box Turtle

Intermediate

Terrapene triunguis

A North American box turtle named for the three toes on each hind foot. The olive or tan shell has little pattern, and males show yellow, red or orange spots on the head and throat.

Difficulty

Intermediate

Temperature

25〜32℃

Lifespan

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

Size

Carapace length 13-18 cm

Humidity

40〜70%

Diet

Omnivore (earthworms, insects, snails, fruit, mushrooms, leaves)

About

The three-toed box turtle is an emydid box turtle of the south-central United States (Alabama, Arkansas, Illinois, Kansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Oklahoma and Texas) and the state reptile of Missouri. Its classification is debated: the Reptile Database treats it as the species Terrapene triunguis, others regard it as T. carolina triunguis or place it with T. mexicana, and phylogenetic work suggests it may be better treated as a subspecies of T. carolina. CITES (Species+) includes it under T. carolina. Each hind foot usually has three toes, though four-toed animals occur and may be hybrids with the eastern box turtle. The domed carapace is 13-18 cm long, and its highest point lies farther back than in other box turtles. Shell and limb pattern is usually almost absent, leaving a uniform olive or tan color. The plastron is straw yellow with fewer dark markings, and males often have yellow, red or orange spots on the head and throat. It is an omnivore eating earthworms, insects, snails, slugs, fruit, mushrooms and leaves. In Japan it is available from specialist shops.

Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Size of the Three-toed Box Turtle

The Three-toed Box Turtle grows to Carapace length 13-18 cm.

Basic Info

Origin

South-central United States (Missouri, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Texas, Louisiana and others)

Lifespan

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

Size

Carapace length 13-18 cm

Temperature

25〜32℃

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 triunguis (Agassiz, 1857)

Synonyms: Cistudo triunguis Agassiz, 1857, Terrapene carolina triunguis (Agassiz, 1857)

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

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). The Reptile Database treats it as the separate species T. triunguis.

Sources: Species+ (CITES): Terrapene carolina

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