A mohouti soaking shortly after arrival

Pyxidea mohouti- keeled box turtle        Origin: Asia

While this species is currently listed under Pyxidea, it is in many ways nearly identical to Cuora/Cistoclemmys.  Cuora serrata is actually thought by some to be an offshoot of breedings between this species and a Cuora species. 

In terms of captive care, as with any Asian import in this day and age, most of these animals are purchased in the food markets of southern mainland China where they are mixed with a number of other species.  Treatment is imperative upon entry into the United States. 

The animals I've worked with have been extremely outgoing and personable in comparison to newly arrived Cuora.  These are relatively active animals when maintained in conditions similar to their native habitats.  Mine are maintained on cypress mulch which is kept fairly damp to maintain high humidity.  This species loves to dig and burrow itself beneath the mulch as well thus concealing itself and likely leading to a feeling of security. 

I differentiate the sexes in a similar manner to Cuora.  Lightly grasp the tail and pull it ventrally between the cloacal scutes.  The cloaca of the males will be visible past the scutes more towards the tip of the tail when this is done whereas in females the cloaca opens up closer to the base of the tail and thus can barely be seen past the cloacal scutes.

Feeding a group of hungry mohouti is a sight to behold!  The animals arch their necks much the way G. spengleri and T. carolina do when they are ready to attack their live prey food items.  I've found that mine will readily take insects of any kind including pillbugs, earthworms, and mealworms.  The highlight though I've found is in the feeding of live crickets.  Trust me when I say that this species can MOVE when it wants to and the cricket chase is an event to behold.  I also feed a variety of fruits including apple, banana, and cantelope that are taken fairly readily.    

Links to further information on P. mohouti:

Husbandry: http://www.micronet.net/users/~turtles/pyxidea.html

Picture: http://www.turtletimes.com/PhotoContest/1999PhotoContests/Oct99/pyxidea_Pixie3.jpg