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

by John M. Legler

Fig. 2. A depression (× ½) made by a foraging box turtle in a pile of partially dried cow dung (June 28, 1958). Similar "sign" of box turtles was found in cow dung everywhere on the pasture at the Damm Farm.

PLATE 27

Fig. 1. Thread-laying device ("trailer") taped to the carapace of an adult female T. o. ornata. The squares of tape on the sides are to keep the bent-over ends of the wire axle from catching on vegetation (× ½).

Fig. 2. A dermal pocket ("cyst") removed from an adult T. ornata and cut open to show two larval bot flies (Sarcophaga cistudinis) (× 2, May 15, 1956).

PLATE 28

Figs. 1-3. Stages in courtship of T. o. ornata: male pursuing female and biting her shell; male lunging at female in attempt to mount; and, male just after mounting female (× ¼).