ExploreReptiles

Marginated Tortoise

Testudo marginata

The Marginated Tortoise is a slow-moving reptile with a beautiful, high dome shell. They love to bask in the sun and munch on tasty plants in their warm habitats.

Habitat: Grasslands

Appearance

The Marginated Tortoise is the largest European tortoise, featuring a dark brown to black shell often bordered with yellow or cream on its scutes. Its most distinctive feature is the dramatically flared, saw-toothed rear edge of its shell, especially prominent in males.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassTestudinesOrderTestudinesFamilyTestudinidaeGenusTestudo
Marginated Tortoise
solitary trait badgecamouflaged trait badgegrassland trait badgeherbivorous trait badge
Marginated Tortoise

Category

Reptiles

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

Male Marginated Tortoises have an incredibly flared shell edge, making them look super spiky!

These tortoises can survive small wildfires by burrowing into the earth!

They can go months without drinking water by storing it in their bodies!

This is the largest native tortoise species found in Europe!

Special abilities

Ability

Armored Fortress

Marginated Tortoise has a sturdy, dome-shaped shell that helps them stay safe from predators.

Ability

Desert Digger

Marginated Tortoise can dig shallow burrows because their strong legs and claws help them create shelters from heat or cold.

Ability

Sun Power

Marginated Tortoise can bask in the sun to warm up their bodies because they need external heat to be active.

Ability

Flared Shield

Marginated Tortoise has a unique flared rear shell edge that helps make them look bigger to predators.

Measurements & details

Length
25-35 cm
Weight
2-5 kg
Lifespan
50-100 years
Top Speed
0.5 km/h
Clutch Size
2-9
Incubation
60-100 days

Diet & Feeding

They munch on plants, flowers, and fruits, keeping the ecosystem tidy!

Primary Foods

  • grasses
  • leaves
  • wildflowers
  • fruits
  • herbs
  • weeds

Foraging Method

  • Foraging

Ecological connections

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Always watch from a distance and don't disturb tortoises in the wild.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is Marginated Tortoise?

25-35 cm

How much does Marginated Tortoise weigh?

2-5 kg

How long does Marginated Tortoise live?

50-100 years

How fast can Marginated Tortoise move?

0.5 km/h

What does Marginated Tortoise eat?

They munch on plants, flowers, and fruits, keeping the ecosystem tidy!

Where is Marginated Tortoise usually found?

Grasslands

How does Marginated Tortoise hunt?

Foraging

How many eggs does Marginated Tortoise lay?

2-9

Snap Map

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Where to spot

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