How To Tell T. g. graeca from T. g. ibera

[egyptiandan64]

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