Dumb question

[turtleluv88]

Do all three-toed box turtles have only three toes at the back? If they have more (like 4) does that mean that they are a hybrid?

 

[jojodesca]

not especially...some ttbt have 4 toes....usually the shell pattern and plastron will show more if they are hybrid

 

[Saloli]

That would depend some populations of TTBTs have four toes not just random in individuals. Though true hybrids (inter species hybrids) which are the result of mating between two separate species are comparatively rare intraspecies hybrids(mating between subspecies) are fairly common where their ranges meet. Though there is a large area in the south east U.S. where subspecific status can't be assigned.