Differentiating Male and Female Testudo hermanni (Hermann's Tortoise)

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Differentiating Male and Female Testudo hermanni (Hermann's Tortoise) - Darrell Senneke

Sexing Testudo hermanni is fairly easily done as Hermann's tortoises have distinct differences between the sexes, this page should help you identify which sex you have.

Please also see the care sheet on this species at: Testudo hermanni - Hermann’s Tortoises by Darrell Senneke http://www.chelonia.org/articles/hermannstortoisecare.htm

The easiest way to sex this species is by the length of the tail and the slightly broadened rear of the male. This pair are typical for the species in general. The male can be seen on the left in the paired pictures below.

As you can see, the rear of the carapace is wider in comparison to the female.


Male *Testudo hermanni*	Female *Testudo hermanni*

As can be seen in the close-up below, the female's tail (on the right) is much shorter in length. Male Testudo hermanni are very aggressive breeders. During breeding care must be taken to separate the sexes if the females start being injured from his attentions.