Return to World Chelonian Trust Main Page
Differentiating Male and Female Testudo graeca (Greek tortoise) - Darrell Senneke
Copyright © 2003 World Chelonian Trust. All rights reserved
Related Articles:
Video - Breeding T. graeca (Golden)
Golden Greek Care - Darrell Senneke
Mediterranean Spur thigh Care - Darrell Senneke
What exactly is a Golden Greek? - Darrell Senneke and Torston Blanck
Sexing T. graeca,
as in most
adult Testudo, is fairly easily done. Greek 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 graeca terrestris - “Golden Greek” Tortoise : http://www.chelonia.org/articles/tiberagoldengreekcare.htm
The easiest way to sex this species is by the length of the tail and the slightly concave plastron of the male. This pair, in this case Golden Greeks, are typical for the species in general. The male can be seen on the left.

As you can see, the plastron of the male is slightly concave in comparison to the female.
|
|
|
|
Male Testudo graeca |
Female Testudo graeca |
As can be seen in the close-up below, the female's tail (on the right) is much shorter in length.
|
|
|
|
Male Testudo graeca |
Female Testudo graeca |
www.chelonia.org - World Chelonian Trust
World Chelonian Trust
PO Box 1445
Vacaville, CA
95696
Return to Sexual Determination Pages
Return to the World Chelonian Trust Main Page