( Bernstein and Black, 2005 Bernstein, et al., 2007 Converse and Savidge, 2003 Degenhardt and Christiansen, 1974 Doroff and Keith, 1990 Metcalf and Metcalf, 1970 Nieuwolt-Dacanay, 1997 Plummer, 2004) They live at altitudes ranging from sea level to 6,500 m, but are typically found around 1,500 m. These turtles spend much of their time in small underground burrows, especially during warm parts of the day and during winter. It can be found in grasslands, as well as sand dunes, agricultural land, and occasionally in ponds and wetlands.

The western box turtle primarily lives on land. ( Bernstein and Black, 2005 Bowen, et al., 2004 Doroff and Keith, 1990 Nieuwolt-Dacanay, 1997 Packard, et al., 1985) Both subspecies can be found in the Great Plains, while the desert box turtle is in New Mexico, Arizona, and Mexico, and the ornate box turtle is more common in Central United States. There are two subspecies, the ornate box turtle ( Terrapene ornata ornata) and the desert box turtle ( Terrapene ornata luteola). It is found as far north as Wisconsin and South Dakota, and as far south as northwestern Mexico. It is found in the southwestern and central United States between the Rocky Mountains and the Mississippi River. Terrapene ornata, the western box turtle, is native to North America. Average basal metabolic rate 0.158 cm3.O2/g/hr.Range basal metabolic rate 0.05 to 0.30 cm3.O2/g/hr.

( Bernstein and Black, 2005 Blair, 1976 Costanzo, 1982 Gatten, Jr., 1974 Metcalf and Metcalf, 1985 Miller and Birchard, 2005 Packard, et al., 1985 St. They are about 120 mm in length, though females are slightly larger than males. Females have brown or black eyes and head. Males are also more brightly colored, with bright red eyes and green heads. luteola (desert box turtle) has more yellow stripes on their shells and body than T. All adults have yellow spots on their head, but subspecies T. They have rings on their shells that show their age, as well as thick, yellow lines on their shells. The western box turtle's shell, tail, head, and limbs are mostly dark brown or black in color.

Desert box turtle