Box Turtles - Do they..can they?

[Kirkie]

Ken Dodd's (still makes me chuckle) book is winging its way to me from the states as we speak!

[Geomyda]

Good book, with lot's of info on the beloved Terrepene group!

[Kirkie]

Do they have glands in the tail area? Maybe she's looking for a man?

[Kirkie]

Coincidently the C Kenneth Dood book arried yesterday (excellent book). There are a couple of references to the possibility of Box Turtles recognising others by scent but nothing on the described behaviour. I read online yesterday of tests done on recognition of individuals in box turtles and it seemed to indicate that sight rather than scent is the key factor in identifying a mate/rival.

Tess Cook has emailed me saying that its not a known scent marking behaviour and that Box Turtles tend to defecate in water for the exact opposite reason, to disguise their location.

[Geomyda]

Originally Posted by Kirkie

Coincidently the C Kenneth Dood book arried yesterday (excellent book). There are a couple of references to the possibility of Box Turtles recognising others by scent but nothing on the described behaviour. I read online yesterday of tests done on recognition of individuals in box turtles and it seemed to indicate that sight rather than scent is the key factor in identifying a mate/rival.

Tess Cook has emailed me saying that its not a known scent marking behaviour and that Box Turtles tend to defecate in water for the exact opposite reason, to disguise their location.

I agree that visual cues are important too Semi aquatic Turtles, Eye colour and in some species head colour does seem to intensify during the breeding season. However, olfaction is also a very important trigger too!
I can dig out some very interesting papers on this for you.

[Kirkie]

I'd appreciate that Geomyda, you have my email address.

Me and Pru were basking in the garden this afternoon....



No poo and she hadn't just come out of the water either.

[jeff]

That is odd,Its like it wants to scratch or something.

[Kirkie]

Hi Jeff,

It does seem to be common behaviour observed by several people I've asked. She did it several times today, almost like she wasn't aware she was doing it at times. She moves her tail from side to side, I'd have thought she would have held it straight if attempting to scratch an itch. There are no ants or insects on her. She could just be cleaning herself, removing dirt?

[Geomyda]

This really is very typical behaviour.
I will email some papers too you on olfaction as a cue to courtship.
However, if you look at the Pictures of my Male Malayan Box Turtles in the Asian Box Turtle caresheet, which I think you have seen? You should note the pronounced glands (Bentley) beneath their chins. These are modified saliva glands which during courtship enlarge somewhat and are, poducing or receptive too pheromones.
In this species, and others in the Cuora group courtship is quite elaborate. Males court the females with various head nodding and very deliberate presentations. However, in successful mating, the female must also present herself as ready. Whilst visual cues in the head movements are important, the sense of olfaction is also vital in these exchanges.
Did you contact Linda about her two young T ornata?

[Alan1]

Originally Posted by Bindi

I do it all the time

your legs will have that mediterranean tanned look.. cheaper than sun beds or that fake tan stuff Bindi