Terrapene carolina major

Taxobox
name = Gulf Coast Box Turtle

---

image_size = 240px
regnum = Animalia
phylum = Chordata
classis = Reptilia
ordo = Testudines
familia = Emydidae
genus = "Terrapene"
species = "T. carolina"
subspecies = "T. c. major"
trinomial = "Terrapene carolina major"
trinomial_authority = Agassiz, 1878

The Gulf Coast Box Turtle ("Terrapene carolina major") is the largest subspecies of North American box turtle.

Description

Gulf coast box turtles have a domed shell which can grow to 8 inches in length. It is generally dark brown or black in color, with yellow striping or blotching, the amount of blotching or striping can vary greatly.

Distribution & Habitat

The gulf coast box turtle can be found along the Gulf of Mexico from the state of Louisiana to the state of Florida. Intergrading with other subspecies of box turtle that it shares range with is not uncommon. They are often found around estuaries and swampy regions, near shallow, permanent bodies of water.

References

* [http://www.chelonia.org/Articles/TerrapenecareSZ.htm Chelonia.org: Box Turtles]