How big does a marginated tortoise get to be?
The Marginated tortoise is the largest of the Mediterranean species belonging to the genus Testudo. Males may surpass 14” while most females top out between 10 and 12”. Its latin name Testudo marginata literally means “Marginated tortoise” which derives from the pronounced rear marginal scutes that form a “skirt” or “bell” shape.
Can a marginated tortoise hybridize with a Hermann’s?
Its range overlaps with that of the Hermann’s tortoise ( T. hermanni) in some areas, but wild specimens of the two are not known to hybridize to any major extent (unlike in captivity, where marginated tortoises have been known to hybridize with various other species, including Hermann’s, Russian [ T. horsfieldii] and Greek [ T. graeca] tortoises).
When does a marginated tortoise hibernate in the wild?
The marginated tortoise hibernates in the wild, after all, and, if housed outdoors, it will hibernate in captivity in areas that experience temperatures that are at or below freezing during the winter.
How often should I run lights on my marginated tortoise?
If humidity is artificially high (above 60 percent), I would keep them above 80 degrees at all times, as cool and humid can be a bad combination that causes respiratory issues. A day/night cycle is good for tortoises; we generally run lights 12 to 14 hours per day.
How did the marginated tortoise get its name?
Its latin name Testudo marginata literally means “Marginated tortoise” which derives from the pronounced rear marginal scutes that form a “skirt” or “bell” shape. The carapace is oblong or elongate with a moderate dome.
Is the marginated tortoise a good starter animal?
The marginated tortoise is herbivorous, can hibernate for the winter and is typically a good starter tortoise due to it’s medium size and vegeterian diet. Through this website I hope to share how I have successfully been keeping these great animals.
Where can I find a Testudo marginata tortoise?
Testudo marginata is found on rocky hillsides, fields and meadows, Mediterranean scrub land and forest. It is found at impressively high elevations, some over 5,000 feet in mountainous regions where its black carapace helps it to quickly absorb heat from the sun.
Can a marginated tortoise hibernate in the winter?
The posterior end of the shell has a saw -like formation, flanged outward like a bell. The marginated tortoise is herbivorous, can hibernate for the winter and is typically a good starter tortoise due to it’s medium size and vegeterian diet. Through this website I hope to share how I have successfully been keeping these great animals.
