Reptile & Amphibian Forums

There seems to be a question in "some" minds.. those that spend 'too much time' finding "exceptions".. as to how to sex "sub-adult" tortoises.. which causes great excitement among those that find out they have a pair.. and then read elsewhere and become confused!!!

CASE IN POINT.. is there anyone who can confirm that the 4" '00 sub-adult Indian Star tortoise on the left (below) is the male.. based on the "ANAL SCUTE" comparison method??

Will the anal scute method stand.. when "size/age" of tortoise prevents 'tail comparison' technique?.. (question causing confusion).

LOOKS LIKE A MALE TO ME !!!!!

Confirmation and comments please???

You gotta love 'em!

Terry

Applies to those much larger also...

You gotta love 'em!

Terry

How can this be.. YEARLING??? Leopard tortoises?

The male on the left is not even 3" long!!!

Have at it...

You gotta love 'em!

Terry

Great pics and illustration. Helps a lot to have a second one that looks different to compare. My problem is that I don't see much difference in the two that I have as they are so similiar in appearance. So they are both the same......just don't know which one.

Hey Terry,

I have always found the anal scute issue to be very grey. Since the scute formation can vary greatly, the only real way to determine sex (for me personally) is to go by the plastron and the tail size. As for the stars, you have what appears to be a male on the left and a female on the right of the pic. As for the redfoots, same deal....Male on left, female on right. As for the leopards???? Who knows??? Too young. All these turtle and tortoises get to a size where we can definately tell, but until that time comes, I think it's just speculation to try and determine otherwise. I love it when people will post a pair of baby leopards or fly river turtles and say that they appear to be a pair, but no guarantees.....HA HA!! When they are that young, how can they even think they are a pair? I wouldn't even guess til they are sub adult size....Just my lousy 2cents on the whole issue.......

...some substantial oddballs like those six legged mountain torts or kinixys. sp or .??? .

Where DO you draw the line on the "Anal Scute"????????

"...it's tooooo small..."!!!!!

Still in that river in Northern Africa.. sic 'em ecoman!!!!

You gotta love 'em!

Terry

... you better love' em clemmys
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... you better love' em clemmys
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