Terrapene carolina

American Box Turtle

Identification: hinge between pectoral and abdominal scutes, no bridge. There are areas in the state where some of these subspecies intergrade and in the panhandle all four intergrade, making identification fun. BTW you will notice that the vast majority of these pictures are of males. As with Gopher Tortoises, I tend to come across more males. Possibly males have larger territories that overlap those of many females.

All of the Terrapene carolina subspecies are protected in Florida. There is a possession limit of two. You are not allowed to buy, sell, or trade this species (i.e. no commercial activity) in  Florida. Even if specimens originate from outside the state. 

Terrapene carolina bauri

Florida Box Turtle

Florida distribution: Entire state.

Identification: up to 16 cm. Strong yellow markings on the head and the generally dark brown to black shell. The carapace generally reaches its high point rear of center. The hind foot usually has three toes.

Male from Seminole County.

Carapace.

The concave plastron marks it as a male. There are teeth marks on the carapace and plastron and there appears to be a healed crushing injury at the hinge.

Female found in Ozello

Male found outside Deland.

Close up of hind foot.

Male Payne's Prairie Alachua County.

Male Lake County

Male Lake County.

Male Lake County.

Male Lake County.

Female from island in Canaveral National Seashore Volusia County.

Male Lake Ashby Volusia County.

Terrapene carolina major

Gulf Coast Box Turtle

Florida distribution: west coast counties from Collier County north into the panhandle to Escambia County.

Identification: up to 22 cm. Shells are less marked than the Florida Box and males tend to have less markings than females. Strong flaring in rear marginals of adults. Usually has four toes on each of rear foot.

This male was rather uncooperative and refused to show his head. The dollar is used to show size ( a dollar is just over 6" in length). The green material on the shell is duckweed.

Terrapene carolina triunguis

Three Toed Box Turtle

Florida distribution: Northern area of panhandle.

Identification: up to 16 cm. Shell is typically tan or olive  in color with less defined markings. The carapace reaches its highest point to the rear. Generally has three toes on hind foot.

Terrapene carolina carolina

Eastern Box Turtle

Florida distribution: northern counties of peninsula.

Identification: up to 16 cm. Shell is marked with bright colors and is lower than the other four.

The red eyes identify this as a male (though all males don't have red eyes).

Here and in the picture below you can see the concave nature of the plastron, again marking it as a male. You can also see 4 toes on the rear leg.