As a breeder I occasionally produce hatchling tortoises and various species that have the 4th or 5th vertebral scute split. Occasionally it appears on the side. I have always associated this cosmetic defect with the higher temperatures in the incubator and as most of us know higher temperatures, especially in the low 90's, will produce females.



I have run across different individuals in the past and more recently that have stated that this defect is not always associated with high temperatures, but also inherited from the parent.



Does anyone know if there is any merit to this statement? I have not found any data on the internet to support this.



-Ryan

Dallas, TX

[ Hide Replies ]

• Data on Split scutes - Praslin, Wed Mar 26 22:42:47 2008
• RE: Data on Split scutes - emysbreeder, Thu Mar 27 12:14:52 2008
• RE: Data on Split scutes - amazonreptile, Sat May 24 15:19:50 2008
• RE: Data on Split scutes - sned25271, Fri Mar 28 21:44:26 2008
• RE: Data on Split scutes - Praslin, Fri Mar 28 22:34:15 2008
• PIC of my male redfoot (possible sire) - sned25271, Mon Mar 31 18:29:25 2008
• RE: Data on Split scutes - Praslin, Fri Mar 28 22:45:40 2008
• RE: Data on Split scutes - DaviDC., Mon Mar 31 21:26:17 2008
• RE: neat lil' basketball... - kayt, Wed Apr 2 11:18:40 2008