What is yellow-headed box turtle?

The yellow-headed box turtle (Terrapene ornata luteola) is a small to medium-sized turtle species that is native to the United States and Mexico.

Appearance: Adult yellow-headed box turtles have a distinctive yellow head, which contrasts with their dark brown to black-colored carapace (upper shell) and yellow plastron (lower shell). On average, they measure 12-15 cm in length, with males being slightly larger than females.

Habitat: Yellow-headed box turtles prefer habitats with wetlands, marshes, and woodlands near water sources. They can be found in different areas including prairies, shrublands, and woodlands. They are also often seen in agricultural fields and pastures, and sometimes in residential areas.

Diet: Yellow-headed box turtles are omnivorous and consume a wide range of both plant and animal materials. Their diet typically consists of insects, earthworms, snails, slugs, fruit, and vegetable matter.

Behavior: Yellow-headed box turtles are generally solitary and are known to burrow underground during the hot and dry periods of their range. They mate between April and June and lay small eggs in a shallow nest made from loose soil.

Conservation status: Yellow-headed box turtles are listed as a threatened species under the United States Endangered Species Act. They are threatened by habitat loss due to agriculture, grazing, and urban development. Smuggled captive specimens, habitat fragmentation, and collection for pet trade also pose a threat to the species.