Testudo aren't that easy

[clovis voyageur]

For me anyway! On my book it look really simple, but looking at my pictures i'm not that so certain!


Hi every one,

So i would need your help again, for this greek turtle i found this mouth at Sounio Temple (Attic)

My hesitation is of course between T ibera and T marginata, but between those two it's not that easy. I tough really marginated shell of the first one would make that population belonging to T marginata, but from the other specimen it's not that evident to me. And i have also seen a younger one that has "straight" shell on the back.

So what would you say?

[Francesco Tri]

Are both Testudo marginata: the first has the carapace perhaps burned in a fire

[clovis voyageur]

OK, so it's marginated enough to make a T marginata. Thanks

[Mario Schweiger]

Sounion is far outside of the distribution of graeca ibera!
And yes, it is a marginata, desregarding the overhanging caudal marginalia.
If you are not sure, just turn the tortoise over.
marginata has a very special plastron markings (black triangles on every scute), while graeca ibera has clouded markings.

Testudo marginata, male from Distimo (Delphi)

[clovis voyageur]

Aaaah, thanks for that , i didn't know.
And the belly is similar to yours