Why does this tortoise shell look like this?

[NinjaCooter]

I've noticed other red footed tortoises shells have symmetrical patterns, but this one I found doesn't. Why?

 

[ZEROPILOT]

It's just a random scute variation.
(Extra scutes)
I actually like it

 

[Tom]

I've noticed other red footed tortoises shells have symmetrical patterns, but this one I found doesn't. Why?

This is usually the result of high incubation temps. People trying to "incubate for female". On occasion it can happen even at more moderate temps, and anecdotally, there is also a genetic component to it too.

 

[Yvonne G]

It's called aberrant scute pattern. Some people like it. I have several tortoises with the aberrant pattern.