Family: Emydidae, Pond and Box Turtles view all from this family

Description 4 1/2-7" (11.5-17.9 cm). Carapace high-domed and keeled; tan or olive with obscure pattern. Plastron often tan to yellow and patternless. Head and front legs orange-spotted, usually 3 toes on hind feet.

Habitat Moist, shady woodlands, edges, thickets.

Range Missouri and e. Kansas south to s. Alabama and e. Texas.

Discussion Box turtles are terrestrial and have a movable plastron hinge that allows the lower shell to close tightly against the upper. The Three-toed overlaps with the Eastern subspecies in Georgia and the Gulf Coast subspecies from Alabama and the Florida panhandle to Louisiana.