Article
The Status and Biogeography of the Three-Toed Box Turtle, Terrapene carolina triunguis, in Illinois
Transactions of the Illinois State Academy of Science
(1993)
Abstract
The three-toed box turtle, Terrapene carolina triunguis, may now be established in the
state of Illinois. While common in the adjoining state of Missouri, T. c. triunguis has
not been considered as part of the natural herpetofauna of Illinois. A fourth confirmed
Illinois specimen is described herein from Jackson County. This specimen, along with
the three previously reported Illinois specimens, was collected in the Mississippi Border
vegetational division of the state and was also in close proximity to the Mississippi
River. Terrapene carolina triunguis is known to interbreed with T. c. carolina, which
occurs in Illinois and is sympatric with the specimens of T. c. triunguis collected in
Illinois. The status and biogeography of T. c. triunguis may have important implications
for the population genetics of box turtles in Illinois.
Disciplines
Publication Date
1993
Publisher Statement
Copyright 1993 Illinois State Academy of Science
Citation Information
Gary L. Paukstis and Fredric J. Janzen. "The Status and Biogeography of the Three-Toed Box Turtle, Terrapene carolina triunguis, in Illinois" Transactions of the Illinois State Academy of Science Vol. 86 Iss. 3-4 (1993) p. 173 - 177 Available at: http://works.bepress.com/fredric-janzen/14/