Terrapene mexicana

(Gray, 1849)

Vernacular names
English : Mexican box turtle
French : Tortue boite du Mexique

Classification
Class : Reptilia
Order : Testudines
Family : Emydidae
Notes : No subspecies known.

Identification
Adults can grow up to 16 cm in shell length. The species’ shell is domed and hinged which allows it to close completely. Coloration is dark grey to black with yellow lines and markings on shell. Males have yellowish-pink head.

Range and habitat
This species occurs in Central America and is endemic to North-east Mexico, from Tamaulipas to Veracruz. Lives in tropical deciduous forests.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : VULNERABLE (as T. carolina)
CITES : Appendix II
Status : The species is still assessed as vulnerable, as a subspecies of T. carolina. It is likely more and more threatened by habitat loss and collection for trade.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation

 

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