Chinese Three-Striped Box Turtle

Cuora trifasciata

Scientific Name

Chinese Three-Striped Box Turtle:  
Cuora trifasciata

Distribution and Habitat

Geographic Range

Several south China provinces and Hainan Island, China.

Natural Habitat

They enjoy a sub-tropic environment, living in clear streams.

Physical Characteristics

  • These turtles are one of the most colorful, with three distinct black stripes running down a brown carapace. They have a yellow, green, or olive colored head which is narrow and pointed. There is a thick black stripe which extends back from the nose which borders a colored spot on each side of the head. This is a semi-aquatic turtle that enjoys swimming and wading.

Quick Facts

  1. The male of the species has a longer, thicker tail than the female.

  2. It can survive brief periods of fairly cold weather by becoming dormant.

Exhibit

Amphibian and Reptile Center

Conservation Status

Critically Endangered: The Chinese Three-Striped Box Turtle is facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild.

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Diet

Omnivore

Mainly carnivorous with a fondness for fish, worms, slugs, insects, and small mice.