How to Tell the Difference Between a Female or Male Turtle

Differentiate between male and female turtles.

Turtle species vary in size, color and behavior, making up a diverse and fascinating reptile order. Although some gender differences exist, sexing a turtle relies on several specific physical characteristics of the turtle body. Tell the difference between a female or male turtle by careful examination of the turtle's body. When you know what you are looking for, you can determine gender and know if you're holding a male or a female.

Instructions

1. Look at the size of the turtle and compare it to other turtles of the same species, if possible. Generally, female turtles are larger than male turtles.

2. Compare tails of the turtles. Male turtles usually have thicker, longer and larger tails than female turtles.

3. Examine the claws of the turtles. Male turtles have longer front claws than female turtles.

4. Check the underside of the turtles. Male turtles often have a concave area on the underside of the shell and female turtles have a rounded area on the underside of the shell. The shape of the male's shell underside helps him stay balanced on the female during breeding.

5. Look at the turtle's eyes. According to the PetPlace website, male box turtles have red eyes and male Asian leaf turtles have silver eyes. The females of these turtle species have eyes with duller colors.

Tips & Warnings

• Some turtle species (many snapping varieties) do not exhibit notable gender differences that you can easily see. An expert should identify gender for these turtles or you can wait to observe behavior to determine gender. For example, female turtles will dig and lay a nest.

• Use care when handling turtles. All species may bite and snapping turtles can deliver a painful bite. Wash your hands after handling a turtle to prevent serious infection.

References

• PetPlace: Sexing Your Herp
• Animal Planet: Turtles, Tortoises and Terrapins
• ABC: Turtles

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish