Terrapene ornata


Terrapene ornata is a species of North American box turtle sometimes referred to as the western box turtle or the ornate box turtle.

Taxonomy

There are two subspecies of T. ornata:
T. ornata has a shell that is less domed than other species of box turtle, appearing to be slightly flattened. Their coloration is generally black or dark brown, with yellow striping. T. o. luteola tends to have more striping than T. o. ornata.

Range

T. ornata ornata is found in the central United States from western Indiana, to eastern Texas and into Louisiana. T. ornata luteola inhabits the driest areas of all the box turtle species, and is found in western Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and adjoining areas of northern Mexico.

Conservation

In Indiana, the ornate box turtle is listed as an endangered species.

Symbol

The species became the official state reptile of Kansas in 1986.