Natural History of the Ornate Box Turtle, Terrapene ornata ornata Agassiz

by John M. Legler

Upper right—Juvenile (× 1), one year old; Lower left—Juvenile (× 1), one year old;

Lower left—Female (× ⁷∕₁₆) showing typical adult markings; Lower right—Adult male (× ½) showing blotched pattern resulting from wear on shell.

PLATE 24

Ontogenetic change in color and markings of plastron. Dark markings on plastra of hatchlings are unbroken. Dark radiations appear when epidermal growth begins.

Figures are as follows:

Upper left—Hatchling (× 1½);

Upper right—Juvenile (× 1);

Lower left—Female (× ⁷∕₁₆) showing typical adult markings;

Lower right—Adult male (× ½) showing the effect of wear on markings. Plastra of old individuals are sometimes solid yellow. Note the break in the plastron that has healed and filled with ligamentous tissue.