Box-Turtle Life Cycle

Box turtles, or Terrapene carolina, are native to the eastern United States. They are found near ponds and streams of woodlands and marshy meadows. Box turtles generally grow slowly and require a long-term commitment from pet owners.

  1. Mating

    • The mating season for box turtles is from spring to early fall. Males may mate with the same female for several years or select several females to mate with.

    Eggs

    • Females can lay fertilized eggs four years after a successful mating. Each clutch she lays can hold three to eight eggs. The eggs are elliptical and white, and the shells are flexible.

    Nesting

    • Box-turtle nests are situated in sandy or loam soil. The eggs are laid in a cavity and then covered up. This occurs from May to June.

    Incubation

    • The eggs require about three months to develop. When they hatch, they burrow their way out of the soil. They are typically 1.25 inches long.

    Maturity

    • The tiny box turtles feed on insects in the brush for roughly seven to 10 years, at which point they reach sexual maturity. They will be five to six inches long.

    Lifespan

    • Box turtles generally live for 40 or 50 years. A select few have reached the age of 100.