Wildlife Wednesday -- Ornate Box Turtle
As summer nears its end, visitors to the Nature Center at Jesse H. Jones Park have the opportunity to observe several turtle species. Among these is the subject of our Wildlife Wonderings program on Wednesday, August 19, the Ornate Box Turtle (Terrapene ornata).
A favorite of park visitors, the Ornate Box Turtle is one of two box turtle species that may be encountered in the park. The other is the Three-toed Box Turtle (Terrapene carolina triunguis). The Ornate Box Turtle is found in the central United States from western Indiana, to eastern Texas, and into Louisiana; it can also be found in Northeastern New Mexico.
Due to their small size, Ornate Box Turtles are easily targeted by predators. Birds, such as crows, raptors, and ravens; domestic cats and dogs; opossums; raccoons; skunks; snakes; and even adult box turtles; are potential predators of young turtles. The turtle has very little means of self-defense other than closing the shell, though they may potentially bite if handled. The lifespan of the Ornate Box Turtle has been reported to be from 32-37 years, with studies showing that males occur about half as frequently as females. The reason for the predominance of females is thought to be primarily due to temperature; incubating eggs at 84°F produces 100 percent female offspring, so in the wild a combination of temperature, humidity, and other factors are thought to favor female differentiation.
The Ornate Box Turtle is an omnivore, with no particular dietary preferences; as an opportunistic feeder, it eats whatever is available in any given location or season. Grasses, berries, insects and other invertebrates (caterpillars, grasshoppers, beetles, earthworms), fruits, vegetables, and carrion (mammals, birds, amphibians, snakes, and even other turtles).This varied diet means the turtle has very little competition for available food resources.
Ornate Box Turtle eggs are elliptical, leathery-shelled eggs typically laid in clutches of 2-6. Females dig nests in sandy soils during June or July and incubate them naturally for roughly 59-70 days, with the young hatching by late summer. Females typically lay between 4-6 eggs per clutch, though totals can range anywhere from 2-8. The eggs measure approximately 21.7 × 36 mm and have an average mass of 10g. Unlike bird eggs, they feature a leathery shell rather than a brittle one, though some populations may produce firm, chalky white shells. Females dig shallow nest burrows about 1-3 inches deep in sandy prairies and open grasslands. Eggs hatch in roughly 2-3 months (approximately 60-70 days).The temperature of the nest directly affects the sex of the developing hatchlings. Cooler incubation temperatures (around 72° F) produce mostly males, while warmer conditions (around 88° F) yield mostly females. Ornate box turtles mature slowly (taking 8-10 years), and females typically lay only one clutch per year. Many wild eggs fail to survive to adulthood.
To learn more about these fascinating turtles, visit Jesse H. Jones Park & Nature Center on Wednesday. August 19, at 12 p.m. for Wildlife Wednesday.. Our special guest will be a live Ornate Box Turtle in this program which is free of charge and open to turtle enthusiasts of all ages.
A favorite of park visitors, the Ornate Box Turtle is one of two box turtle species that may be encountered in the park. The other is the Three-toed Box Turtle (Terrapene carolina triunguis). The Ornate Box Turtle is found in the central United States from western Indiana, to eastern Texas, and into Louisiana; it can also be found in Northeastern New Mexico.
Due to their small size, Ornate Box Turtles are easily targeted by predators. Birds, such as crows, raptors, and ravens; domestic cats and dogs; opossums; raccoons; skunks; snakes; and even adult box turtles; are potential predators of young turtles. The turtle has very little means of self-defense other than closing the shell, though they may potentially bite if handled. The lifespan of the Ornate Box Turtle has been reported to be from 32-37 years, with studies showing that males occur about half as frequently as females. The reason for the predominance of females is thought to be primarily due to temperature; incubating eggs at 84°F produces 100 percent female offspring, so in the wild a combination of temperature, humidity, and other factors are thought to favor female differentiation.
The Ornate Box Turtle is an omnivore, with no particular dietary preferences; as an opportunistic feeder, it eats whatever is available in any given location or season. Grasses, berries, insects and other invertebrates (caterpillars, grasshoppers, beetles, earthworms), fruits, vegetables, and carrion (mammals, birds, amphibians, snakes, and even other turtles).This varied diet means the turtle has very little competition for available food resources.
Ornate Box Turtle eggs are elliptical, leathery-shelled eggs typically laid in clutches of 2-6. Females dig nests in sandy soils during June or July and incubate them naturally for roughly 59-70 days, with the young hatching by late summer. Females typically lay between 4-6 eggs per clutch, though totals can range anywhere from 2-8. The eggs measure approximately 21.7 × 36 mm and have an average mass of 10g. Unlike bird eggs, they feature a leathery shell rather than a brittle one, though some populations may produce firm, chalky white shells. Females dig shallow nest burrows about 1-3 inches deep in sandy prairies and open grasslands. Eggs hatch in roughly 2-3 months (approximately 60-70 days).The temperature of the nest directly affects the sex of the developing hatchlings. Cooler incubation temperatures (around 72° F) produce mostly males, while warmer conditions (around 88° F) yield mostly females. Ornate box turtles mature slowly (taking 8-10 years), and females typically lay only one clutch per year. Many wild eggs fail to survive to adulthood.
To learn more about these fascinating turtles, visit Jesse H. Jones Park & Nature Center on Wednesday. August 19, at 12 p.m. for Wildlife Wednesday.. Our special guest will be a live Ornate Box Turtle in this program which is free of charge and open to turtle enthusiasts of all ages.
Where is it happening?
20634 Kenswick Dr, Humble, TX, United States, Texas 77338
Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.
Host or PublisherJesse H Jones Park & Nature Center
