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The Florida Box Turtle (Terrapene carolina bauri) is a visually striking, semi-terrestrial subspecies of the Common Box Turtle, endemic to Florida and parts of southeastern Georgia. It’s a favorite among collectors and keepers for its vivid coloration, manageable size, and hardy nature. Here’s a full breakdown tailored to your level:
🐢 Species Profile: Florida Box Turtle (T. c. bauri)
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Adult Size | 12–17 cm (4.7–6.7 inches) shell length |
| Lifespan | 30–50 years; some documented over 100 years |
| Activity | Diurnal (active during the day) |
| Shell Type | High-domed with hinged plastron for full closure |
| Conservation | CITES Appendix II; protected in Florida |
They’re known for their site fidelity—often staying within a few hundred meters of their birthplace for life.
🎨 Visual Traits
- Carapace: Dark brown to black with radiating yellow stripes—a signature trait
- Plastron: Variable—solid yellow, black, or mottled
- Skin: Olive to dark brown with yellow striping on head and limbs
- Eyes: Males often have red eyes; females usually brown eyes
Their bold markings make them one of the most visually identifiable box turtle subspecies.
🏡 Habitat & Setup
- Natural Habitat:
- Moist forests, hammocks, swamps, and marsh edges
- Prefers humid microclimates with leaf litter and dense cover
- Captive Setup:
- Enclosure: 120 × 60 cm minimum for adults
- Substrate: Coconut coir, sphagnum moss, organic topsoil
- Humidity: 70–90%
- Temps:
- Day: 75–90°F (24–32°C)
- Basking: 85–95°F (29–35°C)
- Night: 65–72°F (18–22°C)
- Lighting: UVB is essential for shell and bone health
- Water Dish: Shallow soaking bowl; they do not swim
They thrive in naturalistic, bioactive setups with logs, leaf litter, and shaded zones.
🍽️ Diet & Feeding
- Omnivorous:
- Protein: Earthworms, snails, crickets, boiled egg
- Veggies: Squash, carrots, bell peppers
- Greens: Dandelion, collards, mustard greens
- Fruits: Strawberries, melon, mango (sparingly)
- Feeding Frequency:
- Adults: 3–4x/week
- Juveniles: Daily
- Supplements: Calcium + D3 powder 2x/week; cuttlebone in enclosure
They’re opportunistic feeders and will forage actively if given space.
🧠 Behavior & Temperament
- Curious but shy: Will explore once acclimated
- Burrowing instinct: Provide leaf litter and moss piles
- Handling: Tolerates brief handling but prefers minimal interference
They’re interactive in naturalistic setups, often seen basking, burrowing, or foraging.
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