About Cuora mouhotii (Gray, 1862)
Carapace Characteristics
The keeled box turtle (Cuora mouhotii) has a carapace (upper shell) marked by three large, raised ridges, with a serrated edge along the back end.
Plastron Coloration
Its plastron (lower shell) ranges in color from light brown to dark brown, showing various brown shades.
Head and Jaw Features
This species has a strong upper jaw and a short, curved snout.
Feet and Lifestyle
Its feet are only partially webbed, which indicates it lives a terrestrial rather than aquatic lifestyle.
Sexual Dimorphism Cues
Male and female keeled box turtles can be told apart by eye color and nail size.
Sex-Specific Traits
Males typically have longer, thicker nails and eyes that are either black or brown; females usually have shorter, thinner nails and orange or red eyes.
Geographic Range
Cuora mouhotii is found in Bangladesh, Myanmar (Burma), China, India, Laos, Vietnam, Bhutan, and Thailand.
Rocky Habitat
As a terrestrial species, the keeled box turtle is often found in small caves and rock crevices.
Forest Habitat
It also occurs in forests, within deep leaf litter.
