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How To Tell T. g. graeca from T. g. ibera
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20-03-2007, 02:50 PM
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egyptiandan64
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How To Tell T. g. graeca from T. g. ibera
Each subspecies is very variable in color, shell shape and size. Here are some of the best ways to tell the difference between T. g. graeca and T. g. ibera.
Here is a diagram of the carapace
The first vertebral or central scute of T. g. graeca is almost always rounded on the sides
The first vertebral or central scute of T. g. ibera is almost always straight on the sides
Some T. g. ibera do have slightly rounded sides, so you must take all the points into account to tell subspecies
Here's a picture showing the plastral scutes
On the plastron of T. g. graeca, the seam between the abdominal and femoral scutes forms a sharp angle downwards at the ends
On the plastron of T. g. ibera, the seam between the abdominal and femoral scutes forms a straight line or has a gentle curve at the ends
The head of T. g. graeca is blunt and small, usually with yellow on the top and sides of the head
The head of T. g. ibera is pointed and larger, usually dark, but sometimes with yellow also
This is just a guide, but hopefully will help people tell the difference between the 2 subspecies. There are other subspecies so your tortoise might not quite fit these descriptions.
Photos Courtesy of Henry-Flash (Peter) and Egyptiandan (Danny)
Danny
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