Posted by:
jgSAV
at Tue Jan 3 15:40:29 2006 [ Report Abuse ] [ Email Message ] [ Show All Posts by jgSAV ]
I am going to side with the post above stating that it is an unusually colored Eastern Box Turtle. Though not common, I have found Easterns in the woods of Virginia with this same coloration. As for stating that it is juvenile, it may be an older juvenile, but I think it is more likely past its juvenile stage and that its current age is sub adult or adult. Though we know growth rings are not an indicator of age and rather of periods of increased growth, this particular turtle has quite a number of growth rings. It also exhibits more adult like proportions. What is interesting is its slightly disformed carapace as compared to a normal Eastern of the same age range. The shape may be due to slightly poorer nutrition or a simple birth abnormality. If it is due to poorer nutrition may not show proper growth and could be older than thought judging by the number of growth rings.
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RE: Need Your Expertise! Is this an unusual Boxy? What Kind? - jgSAV, Tue Jan 3 15:40:29 2006