Box turtles are a land species but they can occasionally be found near or in the water. They prefer swamps of moist open woods but they are very well adapted to live on land. Their eating habits include insects, snails, earthworms, fruits and berries. The plastron of the box turtle is pulled tightly against the carapace if they feel threatened. Their shell has a length of four to five inches and has a high arch.
The box turtles are divided in two subspecies, ornate and eastern. The characteristics that define the two subspecies are shape, markings on the shell and the number of toes on the feet. Female box turtles have the plastron flatter than the males, their eyes are brown or reddish dark. Males have longer tails and their eyes are usually bright red.
Different species of the box turtle or different aged turtles will have preferences for animal or vegetal protein but they are omnivores. Box turtles are daylight active turtles, during these hours they can be found basking or they might be traveling for food. They can live in excess of 30 years.
A box turtle needs to be able to retreat from direct sunlight and the heat if they need to and they get stressed if they can't. They also need clean water available at all times. If properly cared for, a box turtle is an excellent long-lived pet. It is not a good idea of a pet for a kid since they are not capable to provide the required care. box turtles can carry salmonella, which can hurt people with weak immune systems.
Eastern Box Turtles live on the Eastern side of the United States, as the name suggests, their location is close to the habitat of the Ornate Box Turtle, that lives in the central Unites States but also spreads into the Eastern side.