Slanted hatch indicates pre-1980 records only. Not all specimens upon which these maps are based have been verified. Plastron patterned with yellow lines on dark scutes. Head sometimes spotted. Male differs from female by having slightly concave plastron and red rather than brown eyes.
Hatchling resembles adult, but yellow markings are more like spots than lines.
Eats mainly insects, but also snails, earthworms, tadpoles, bird eggs and hatchlings, and carrion. Hibernates about two weeks earlier than eastern box turtle, and emerges in spring about two weeks later. Uncommon to rare in much of its range in Illinois.