Ornate Box Turtle - Terrapene ornata

The Ornate box turtle get its name from the colorful and decorative patterns on its shell (ornate=ornamental). This species is found in much of the mid and southwestern United States and into Mexico. As with all box turtles, this species can retreat into its shell for protection. A hinged plastron allows it to close its shell completely. This species can reach a length of 14cm. This specimen died of natural causes in the wild.

Carapace

Plastron

Live Ornate Box Turtle, Captive Specimen