ID me please..

Hi all,

I just got this big male as a gift today. I was told he was a russian but I really don't think so. Box turtle species I can identify, but not mediteranean tortoises. I'm guessing a marginated but I could be wrong just as easily as right.

Thanks, Steve

The one on the left is a Russian, the one on the right isn't. But I don't know what it is. It is pretty though.

Marginated Tortoise, I'm pretty sure it is.

Hermanns

wait dude did you really just not quarantine your new tort! the spread of different diseases can kill both tortoises! two different species should not be living together also. ask @HermanniChris he will know. I'm guessesing a hermann, I'm 100% sure its not a marginated tort.

Russian/Sulcata/Tortoise...

First, it has been quarantined.
Two, they were only together for a quick photo so the russian could provide some scale.
Three, It would be a lot nicer to not assume something(s) and then come down on me in condemnation due to your assumptions.

Geeze, lighten up "dude"..

Steve in TX said:

Russian/Sulcata/Tortoise...

First, it has been quarantined.
Two, they were only together for a quick photo so the russian could provide some scale.
Three, It would be a lot nicer to not assume something(s) and then come down on me in condemnation due to your assumptions.

Geeze, lighten up "dude"..

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im sorry

S'ok, no harm =)

What you have, is 100% without any single doubt whatsoever, is an Eastern Hermann's tortoise (T. h. boettgeri). Do not, under any circumstances be fooled by the flared marginal scutes typical of T. marginata. Many, if not most Mediterranean male tortoises feature the heavy flaring of the marginals. We just had a big debate on Facebook about someone misidentifying a Libyan Greek tortoise as a Marginated. I had to get pretty firm in order to save the tortoise from being kept like a Marginated when it certainly is NOT one.

Chris thank you VERY much for the definitive identification. Me and this guy are getting along just great and I think I've fallen in love with the hyperactive/inquisitive personality this tortoise has. And wow does he ever like yellow squash..
Again, thank you very much!

I may be mistaken, but I've never personally seen a marginated with a divided supracaudal shield, which this fella clearly possesses. Good looking Hermanns. I've always found that unique trapezoidal shape rather appealing. I'm always amazed at the variability of the Easterns, coloration wise. I would venture to guess that there is as much regional variation among Easterns as there is among the Western forms, though I haven't read any literature on the subject.

T.G.

Steve in TX said:

Chris thank you VERY much for the definitive identification. Me and this guy are getting along just great and I think I've fallen in love with the hyperactive/inquisitive personality this tortoise has. And wow does he ever like yellow squash..
Again, thank you very much!

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So do I win a prize for the 1st correct answer???

Tortdad, You were obviously right that it's one of the Hermans. I just needed to know one which of the Herman's it actually is. I cant speak for an actual prize, but you do indeed have my gratitude for your time to answer, thank you =)

Steve

Steve in TX said:

Tortdad, You were obviously right that it's one of the Hermans. I just needed to know one which of the Herman's it actually is. I cant speak for an actual prize, but you do indeed have my gratitude for your time to answer, thank you =)

Steve

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I'll help you out an just take the tort as the prize. Im down in Houston so you won't have to drive very far