Some turtles eat cockroaches.
There are four species of box turtles, all with their characteristic domed shells. The western box turtle, scientifically known as Terrapene ornata, has a flatter shell than the others and can be found in the central United States. Terrapene coahuila is an aquatic species of box turtle found in Mexico. A third type of box turtle is known as the Terrapene carolina, it is adorned with yellow stripes and is found in Mexico and the United States. The fourth and final species of box turtle is called Terrapene nelsoni and is known for its spots and is also native to Mexico.
There are four species of box turtles.
There are two subspecies of ornata: the ornate box turtle and the desert box turtle. Terrapene ornata in general is usually brown to black with a variety of yellow stripes. Although its shell is still dome-shaped, it appears flatter than other box turtle shells. Ornate box turtles are said to live up to 40 years, while desert box turtles live around 25 years. Both types of tortoises eat a varied diet that can include grass, insects, and fruit.
The Terrapene coahuila, better known as the aquatic box turtle or Coahuila box turtle, is the only aquatic box turtle that has not become extinct. Due to habitat loss, aquatic box turtles have become increasingly rare, and some people are concerned about the future of this box turtle as a species. Monitoring and tracking efforts show that this box turtle typically chooses to remain in a habitat for at least six months, sometimes up to a year. A small percentage of Terrapene coahuila move away from their homes in search of other swamps to live.
There are six subspecies of Terrapene carolina box turtles. Most of these subspecies are often kept as pets, but their legality varies by jurisdiction. In general, these box turtles require a lot of space and regular food and water. They cannot be kept in a glass container because they do not understand the concept of glass and can get hurt or stressed. Like other box turtles, Carolina Terrapene turtles maintain a broad diet, not limited to roaches and raw vegetables.
Also known as the painted box turtle, Terrapene nelsoni has been known to live just under 25 years in captivity. They are considered a subtropical or tropical species of turtle. Much information about the spotted box turtle is still unknown, especially regarding its mating habits.