Ornate Turtles

Iowa is home to many amazing animals, but one of them is extremely unique, while also being listed as threatened when it comes to survival. This Iowa hidden gem of the animal kingdom is the ornate box turtle (Terrapene ornata). With its vibrant shell and remarkable survival traits, this turtle stands out as one of the statIowa e’s most unique creatures.

A female ornate box turtle.

It’s all in the shell! The ornate box turtle is aptly named for its beautifully patterned shell, which boasts orange and yellow streaks on a dark green background. These intricate designs make it one of the most visually striking animals in Iowa. Adding to its charm, males have bright red eyes, making them easily distinguishable.

A male ornate box turtle.

Unlike most turtles in Iowa, the ornate box turtle is fully terrestrial, meaning it lives on land rather than in water. Its sturdy, stumpy feet and long claws are perfect for digging and navigating sandy habitats. Interestingly, while they are land dwellers, these turtles can float and even swim, thanks to fat deposits under their shells. However, swimming is not their strong suit, so it’s crucial not to place them in deep water intentionally.

The ornate box turtle has the ability to completely close its shell. Most turtles can retract their limbs for protection, but the ornate box turtle goes a step further. A special hinge in its shell allows it to close up entirely, making it nearly impossible for predators to reach its soft body parts. In fact, that’s partly how they got their name, being able to hide in their own little box when threatened.

You can see here that the turtle is not only able to pull in his limbs and head, but is also able to “lockdown” its shell so that no portion of their flesh is exposed.

Why is the Ornate Box Turtle Threatened?

Despite its impressive defenses, the ornate box turtle faces numerous threats—primarily from humans. Habitat loss is an overwhelming factor in their decline. As Iowa’s prairies and sandy areas are converted into farmland, urban developments, or overrun by quick growing, or invasive, plants and shrubs, the turtles lose their natural homes.

Additionally, many turtles are threatened by traffic. While they have few natural predators as adults, roadways pose a significant danger. Turtles are slow movers and often can’t escape oncoming cars. If you see a turtle on the road, especially if you can identify it as an endangered or threatened species, it’s important to call a local conservation or animal control authority. They can safely relocate the turtle. Even turtles with damaged shells from collisions can sometimes be saved by qualified wildlife rehabilitation staff.

Ornate Box Turtle (Terrapene ornata)

How Can Iowans Help?

Helping the ornate box turtle starts with protecting and restoring its habitat. Here are some ways we can make a difference:

• Preserve Prairie and Sand Dune Habitats: Landowners can work with conservation groups to manage these areas by removing invasive trees and shrubs.
• Use Native Plants: Establishing native grasslands with tall grasses and wildflowers provides shade and basking spots for turtles.
• Protect Nests: If you spot a turtle nesting, you can help by placing a mesh cage over the nest to protect it from predators. Be sure to consult with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) before taking any action.
• Drive Carefully: Keep an eye out for turtles on roads, especially during nesting season from May to June.
• Avoid Collecting Wild Turtles: Let these unique animals thrive in their natural environment. Simply enjoy them by observation alone.

Ornate Box Turtle

By understanding and respecting the ornate box turtle’s role in Iowa’s ecosystem, we can help ensure this extraordinary creature continues to grace our prairies for generations to come. He’s just too cool for us to lose in Iowa.