Greek Tortoise Characteristics Subspecies Identification Of Sex

The Greek Tortoise or Spur-thighed Tortoise (Testudo graeca) is one of three European members of the Testudinidae family of tortoises. The other members of the family are Herman's Tortoise (Testudo hermanni) and the Marginated Tortoise (Testudo marginata).

1 Characteristics

The Greek Tortoise (Testudo graeca) is often confused with Herman's Tortoise (Testudo hermanni). However, there are ten notable differences that enable them to be distinguished.

2 Subspecies

The division of Greek Tortoises into subspecies is difficult and confusing for amateurs and professionals alike. Given the huge range over three continents, the various terrains, climates, and biotopes have produces a huge number of varieties, with new subspecies constantly being discovered. There are currently at least twenty published subspecies.

Greek Tortoise	Herman's Tortoise
Large symmetrical markings on the top of the head	Only small scales on the head
Large scales on the front legs	Small scales on the front legs
Undivided carapace over the tail	Tail carapace almost always divided
Notable spurs on each thigh	No spurs
Isolated flecks on the spine and rib plates	Isolated flecks only on the spinal plates
Dark central fleck on the underside	Two black bands on the underside
Shell somewhat oblong rectangular	Oval shell shape
Widely stretched spinal plates	Small spinal plates
Movable posterior plates on underside	Fixed plates on underside

This incomplete listing shows the problems in division into subspecies. The differences in form are primarily in size and weight, as well as coloration, which ranges from dark brown to bright yellow, and the types of flecks, ranging from solid colors to many spots. Also, the bending-up of the edges of the carapace ranges from minimal to pronounced. So as not to become lost in the number of subspecies, recently a few tortoises previously classified as Testudo graeca have been assigned to different species, or even different genera.

The genetic richness of Testudo graeca is also shown in their crossbreeding. Tortoises of different form groups often mate, producing offspring with widely differing shapes and color. Perhaps the best means of identification for the future is simply the place of origin.

The smallest, and perhaps the prettiest, of the subspecies is the Tunisian Tortoise. It has a particularly bright and striking coloration. However, these are also the most sensitive tortoises of the species, so that they cannot be kept outdoors in temperate climates, as cold and rainy summers quickly cause the animals to get sick. They are also incapable of a long hibernation.

At the other extreme, animals from northeastern Turkey are very robust, like Herman's Tortoise. The largest specimens come from Bulgaria. There 7 kg (15 lb) specimens have been reported. In comparison, the Tunisian Tortoise has a maximum weight of 0.7 kg (1.5 lb). Testudo graeca is also closely related to the Marginated Tortoise (Testudo marginata). The two species can interbreed, producing offspring capable of reproduction.

3 Identification of sex

Males differ from females in 6 main points. Firstly, they are generally smaller. Their tails are longer and taper to a point evenly, and the cloacal opening is farther from the base of the tail. The underside is somewhat curved, while females have a flat shell on the underside. The rear portion of a male's carapace is wider than it is long. Finally, the posterior plates of the carapace often flange outward.

4 Mating and reproduction

Immediately after waking from hibernation, the mating instinct starts up. The males follow the females with great interest, encircling them, biting them in the limbs, ramming them, and trying to mount them. During copulation, the male opens his mouth, showing his red tongue and making squeaking sounds.

During mating, the female stands still, bracing herself with her front legs, moving the front part of the body to the left and right in the same rhythm as the male's cries. One successful mating will allow the female to lay eggs multiple times. When breeding in captivity, the females and males must be kept separate. If there are multiple males, one takes on a dominant role and will try, unsuccessfully, to mate with the other males in the pen.

One or two weeks before egg-laying, the animals become notably agitated, moving around to smell and dig in the dirt, even tasting it, before choosing the ideal spot to lay the eggs. One or two days before egg laying, the female takes on an aggressive, dominant behavior, mounting another animal as for copulation and making the same squeaking sound the male produces during copulation. The purpose for this behavior is to produce respect in the tortoise community, so that the female will not be disturbed by the others during egg laying. Further details of egg-laying behavior are the same as those detailed for the Marginated Tortoise.

5 External links

Characteristics of European Tortoises (in German)

Reptiles

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