Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I live in Southern Louisiana And, i would like too know the difference in these 3 TURTLES ORNATE BOX / EASTERN BOX / 3 TOED BOX ?? and also how does one determine the sex /age of one?

Thankz Jesse H.

Do a quick internet search, there are plenty of descriptions, including photos, of the three. However, in brief: All 3 are found in the United States. 3-toes and Easterns are considered the same species , but from different areas and usually looking different enough to be given those variety/subspecies names. Easterns are found all along the east coast, usually have brightly colored body and shell markings (but each individual can look completely different). Three-toes are from eastern Texas and surrounding areas. They usually have 3 toes on the back feet (hence the name, but some have 4 like the other boxies). They often have bright skin markings, but the shell is usually plain brown or with some light markings. There is no clear line where Easterns stop and 3 toes start, so the "in between" area will have turtles that look more like one than the other. Ornates are closely related, but a different species. See some photos, but their shell markings are usally a little different than the other two, as well as their body markikngs. Although they need access to water, and a humid burrow, they live in dryer, more open areas west of the range of the other two. Hope that is a little helpful.

Read a bit about them here:
Link