Scientific name

Terrapene carolina

Terrapene carolina includes several populations and subspecies. The zoological references below mainly concern T. c. carolina, the eastern form. [1][2]

Origin

Eastern United States; distribution varies by subspecies. [1][2]

  • Terrestrial
  • Omnivorous
  • Humid shelters

At a glance

ADULT SIZE≈ 15 cm
Typical length of the eastern form according to the Smithsonian. [2]
LIFESPAN25–35 years
General reference; centenarian records are not an average. [2]
LIFESTYLETerrestrial
Undergrowth, edges and wetlands. [2]

Adult size

The eastern form typically reaches around 15 cm in length according to the Smithsonian; other subspecies differ. [2]

Lifespan

The Smithsonian cites 25–35 years and individuals exceeding 100 years, without separating environments; records are not an average. [2]

Lifestyle

Terrestrial, associated with undergrowth, edges and wetlands. [2]

Housing

SHELTERS AT GROUND LEVEL

Land + accessible bath — Several shelters and a humid microhabitat. Clinical references concern several box turtles. [3]

Provide a ground-level habitat with several shelters, a damp soil corner and easily accessible shallow water. [3]

Care parameters

AMBIENT · DAY

≈ 23–27 °C — Shared care sheet; adapt to the subspecies. [3]

WARM SPOT

≈ 28–32 °C — Reference distinct from ambient conditions. [3]

NIGHT · ACTIVE

≥ 21 °C — No brumation protocol here. [3]

Humidity

Shelter ≈ 70 % — The clinic gives 40–50 % ambient humidity and a more humid shelter. Adapt to the subspecies. [3]

Day

≈ 23–27 °C; warm spot ≈ 28–32 °C. [3] Shared clinical source for North American box turtles, to be adapted to the subspecies.

Night during activity

Minimum ≈ 21 °C. [3] Active husbandry reference, distinct from brumation.

Humidity

40–50 % ambient; shelter around 70 %. [3] The source includes drier-habitat species; do not remove the humid microhabitat.

Feeding

AN OMNIVOROUS DIET

Plants and invertebrates; young animals eat more animal prey. The diet changes with age. [2]

Feeding

An opportunistic omnivore, it eats plants, fungi and invertebrates; young animals are more carnivorous. The menu changes with age. [2]

Observing without forcing

Its hinged plastron allows it to close the shell almost completely. A defensive closure must not be forced open. In the wild, it shelters under debris or in the soil when it is too hot. [2]

Useful records

Distinguish general air readings from those in the humid shelter. Record bath use, foods actually eaten and weight. Keep the stated subspecies with its proof of origin; shell colour alone is not enough to define the whole husbandry or seasonal-rest programme.

Checklist

  • Identify the subspecies if possible.
  • Check entry to and exit from the bath.
  • Measure the humid shelter separately.

Observations to record

  • Weight
  • Feeding
  • Humidity
  • Activity

The app provides individual animal records. Check which features are available for your animal in the released version.

Related guides

Original guides in French

Sources

Document-based overview; not a substitute for veterinary advice.

  1. The Reptile Database — Terrapene carolina
    Source accessed
  2. Smithsonian National Zoo — Eastern box turtle
    Source accessed
  3. Chicago Exotics Animal Hospital — Box Turtle Care
    Source accessed