Life cycle and predation Box turtle

rings on scutes of t.c.triunguis. rings can used estimate age of box turtles in years.

once maturity reached, chance of death seems not increase age. survivorship curve of box turtles therefore similar of other long-living turtles. average life span of adult box turtles 50 years, while significant portion lives on 100 years. age of growing box turtle in wild can not accurately estimated counting growth rings on scutes; growth directly affected amount of food, types of food, water, illness, , more. box turtle eggs flexible, oblong , (depending on taxon) on average 2–4 cm long weighing 5-11 g. normal clutch size 1-7 eggs. in captivity , in southern end of range, box turtles can have more 1 clutch per year, while average clutch size larger in more northern populations.

turtles can defend predation hiding, closing shell , biting. risk of death greatest in small animals due size , weaker carapace , plastron. while shell of adult box turtle seldom fractured, box turtle still vulnerable surprise attacks , persistent gnawing or pecking. common predators mammals minks, skunks, raccoons, dogs , rodents, birds (e.g. crows, ravens) , snakes (e.g. racers, cottonmouths) known kill box turtles.