Flowerback Box Turtle

Cuora galbinifrons

- Asiatic tropical species
- Does not hibernate
- Omnivorous diet
- Require live food
- Require high humidity
- Moist sphagnum substrate required
- Require large terrarium with hot and cool areas
- Regular soaking or constant access to water essential
- Active at dawn and dusk-secretive
- Stress very easily
The attractive 'Flower-back' box turtle lives in northern Vietnam and China, where it is primarily an inhabitant of the forest undergrowth. This species has a reputation for being 'difficult' in captivity. In reality, provided that the correct environment is available and the specimens are healthy to begin with, it is not as difficult as its reputation suggests. This is a secretive species which does stress easily - it must have a quiet terrarium without undue disturbance. It is imperative that a sphagnum moss substrate is provided, and that this is kept moist at all times. A secondary, slightly drier, area can be provided using leaf and orchid bark. We recommend the use of misting or automatic spraying systems with this species, and suggest that temperatures should range from 70 to 82 °F. Ultrasonic humidifiers have worked well, and both ceramic dull-emitters and under-tank heat pads have also proved successful with these turtles. Whatever heating method is chosen, on no account allow the terrarium to dry out.
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