Species of Tortoise

Tortoises are ideal pets to keep and are very popular. If you are considering getting a tortoise then it makes sense to first read up on them and understand a little about them. This guide explains the different species of tortoises.

 

The three most common species of turtles that can be raised as pets include the Red-eared terrapin, Russian tortoises or Horsfield’s tortoise, and Spur-thighed tortoises. One of the most popular types, the Horsfield’s tortoise is named after Thomas Horsfield, an American naturalist. They are small tortoise species which can be 6-10 cm long. The female Horsfield grows larger than the male while the male has longer tails than the female. Another distinct characteristic of female species is the scutes that grow on its shell which you cannot find in the male. The color varies and ranges from brown to black for the shell with shades of yellow in between the scales. Brown and yellow are the usual colors of the body.

 

Small yet extremely hardy, the Horsfield tortoise is a favorite among turtle owners because of their relatively small size. These creatures adapt well to the life in captivity and you can feed them fibrous leaves, vegetables and grasses. You can also give them fruits but in limited quantities since excessive sugar intake can give them a bad stomach.

 

Spur-thighed tortoises are relatively small in size. In adult males, the carapace is about 13.5 cm while the size is 16 in females. These tortoises are brightly colored. Their color is yellow with black markings in the scutes. Bold color patterns can also be seen in the plastron and there is a bright yellowish spot on top of the head between the eyes. Taking care of the spur-thighed tortoise is very easy but requires more care than bigger kinds of turtles. If you are new to taking care of turtles, it is recommended that you first learn some experiences with other pet turtle species. Their habitat is tropical semiarid and they do not hibernate. Forcing them to do so may cause death. For people living in warmer regions, taking care will be easier because the climate is more ideal for them. If you are however living in a colder area, an amply lit and well heated terrarium is needed to make your pet more comfortable.