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Glite Dictionary
Terrapene

Terrapene

9.9
A group of North American box turtles with domed shells that can close tightly
  • noun
  • /ˈtɛrəˌpiːni/
  • Specialized
translation icon : Terrapene
  • The Terrapene are known for their unique hinged shells, which offer extra protection from predators.

Examples

  • Due to habitat loss, some species within the genus Terrapene are now considered vulnerable.

  • Many Terrapenes can be found in the southeastern United States.

  • Researchers studied the habitat of Terrapene in several regions of the Midwest.

  • The Terrapene is known for its unique shell.

  • Due to habitat loss, some species within the genus Terrapene are now considered vulnerable.

  • Many Terrapene can be found in the southeastern United States.

  • Researchers studied the habitat of Terrapene in several regions of the Midwest.

Synonyms

box turtle
vsTerrapene
  • US
2 5.2

A North American land turtle with a high shell that can close tightly to protect itself

is the scientific genus name for these North American species
box tortoise
vsTerrapene
  • US
7.9

A land turtle from North America that can close its shell completely

is the scientific genus term covering these North American species

Compounds

Terrapene ornata
  • Specialized
9.9

A small box turtle with a patterned shell that lives on prairies in the western United States and Mexico

Surface Forms

Terrapene singular
Terrapenes plural

Etymology

Terrapene names a group of North American box turtles and a helpful way to remember it is to think of terra 'earth' and pen 'to enclose'. That's why you can picture these turtles closing their shells tightly like an animal in a pen, which matches their real ability to shut themselves away.