The Eastern Box Turtle is extremely common and one of only two wholly terrestrial species in Illinois. (The other is the Ornate Box Turtle.) It is one of the smaller species of turtles in Illinois, attaining a carapace length of about 6". It is fairly simple to determine gender in these turtles as the male's plastron (lower shell) is slightly concave to facilitate mating. Box turtles are so-named because of their unique ability to withdraw completely into their shells and close them like boxes.
This Eastern Box Turtle has not
been removed from its shell, but
is rather demonstrating its ability
to "box itself up" for defense.
