What is a Russian box turtle?

The Russian box turtle or Russian tortoise is a small tortoise native to Central Asia. It is a popular pet considered suitable for beginners, as it is hardy and easily cared for.

Russian box turtles are about five to nine inches long, with females being slightly larger than males. They are active animals and are social with humans. They are herbivores that eat broadleaf weeds by preference, and do well on a diet of dark leafy greens, commercial turtle food and vegetables. A single turtle needs at least a 40-gallon habitat with a substrate suitable for burrowing. Russian box turtles also need daily exposure to either natural sunlight or a full-spectrum light bulb designed for reptile use.