The Gulf Coast box turtle (Terrapene carolina major) is the largest subspecies of the common box turtle (Terrapene carolina). Description Gulf Coast box turtles have a domed shell which can grow to 8 inches in shell length. It is generally dark brown or black in color, with yellow striping or blotching, the amount of blotching or striping can vary greatly. Geographic range The Gulf Coast box turtle can be found along the Gulf of Mexico from the state of Louisiana to the state of Florida. Taxonomy and systematics Intergrading with other subspecies of the common box turtle that it shares its range with is not uncommon. Habitat They are often found around estuaries and swampy regions, near shallow, permanent bodies of water. References Chelonia.org: care of Box Turtles Terrapene Turtles of North America Reptiles of the Caribbean Reptiles of the United States Biota of the Gulf of Mexico Fauna of the Southeastern United States Gulf Coast of the United States