The marginated tortoise is named for the flared appearance to the back of its shell. Their shell pattern darkens with age.

They are native to Europe where they can be found in Greece and Italy with some introduced populations. Here they are found in forest and shrubland.

Up to three times each year the female may deposit up to 15 eggs which incubate for a period of 100 days in soft soil.

These animals are threatened by collection for the pet trade, habitat loss and wildfires.

Read on to learn more about these terrific tortoises.

Appearance

As with all tortoises they have a hard shell on their back. This is colored black and brown with yellow and orange markings across it. The lighter underside is colored olive or yellow with brown and black triangle markings. These patterns darken with age. At the rear of the shell is an area of thick scales which are flared outwards and patterned with orange markings.

Both juveniles and adults have black skin with white highlights on the head.

The dark coloration of the shell is an adaptation which allows them to warm up in the sun.

Their four feet are equipped with large claws which allow them to dig a burrow or nest.

Marginated tortoises are considered to be the largest species of land tortoise found in Europe. They have an average body length of 38cm (15in) long with a weight of 5kg (11lbs).

Males have significantly longer tails than females allowing them to be distinguished from one another. They also tend to be larger than females.

Diet

Marginated tortoises are herbivores which feed on a range of leaves, shoots and herbs. Small amounts of fruit is also consumed.