If you have a turtle as a pet, then it would be helpful to know if your specimen is male or female. However, unlike mammals, turtles do not have external genitalia. This makes trying to determine their sex much more complicated, but not impossible. The differences between a female and a male turtle are quite subtle, but they can be easily recognized if you have two specimens of the opposite sex to compare. If you have only one animal, then try to find as many clues as possible to understand its gender.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Examine the Carapace
Step 1. Look at the turtle's shell
This part of the body has slightly different characteristics based on the sex of the animal. An adult female has a slightly more elongated carapace than a male.
- This technique for distinguishing the gender of the turtle has several limitations, as you need to be sure that your pet has reached full maturity. You may be led to believe that the reptile is male due to the size of the carapace, while it is still a growing specimen.
- Furthermore, some rather large males may have a carapace as large as a small female specimen; again, you cannot accurately determine gender based on size alone.
Step 2. Look at the plastron
This is the underside of the animal's shell, the equivalent of its belly. To control it, simply lift the turtle (gently). These reptiles generally don't like being touched and your specimen may try to bite you; for this reason try to grab it near the tail, so that it cannot reach your fingers with its mouth. Turn the turtle over gently and observe the plastron. In the males it is slightly concave (ie curved towards the inside of the body) while in the females it is flat.
- A concave plastron allows the male to mate with the female without falling.
- The flat plastron of the females offers more internal space for the development of the eggs.
Step 3. Check for the presence of the caudal fissure
Males often have some sort of small "V" incision in the back of the carapace. This allows the tail to stick out during mating; otherwise the tail would be crushed against the carapace.
Step 4. Observe typical details of each species
Some varieties of turtles have special external characteristics that vary by gender. For example, there are differences depending on the color:
- In 90% of cases the specimens of the genus terrapene are males if they show a red or orange color of the iris; while they are female if they have brown or yellow eyes. The females also have a rounded carapace, with a more pronounced dome shape, while in the males the shell is lower with an oval or oblong shape.
- The painted pond turtle is male if it has a blue plastron, otherwise it is female.
Part 2 of 2: Observe the Details
Step 1. Check the claws
Males use them during mating rites, but also to fight, claim and defend their territory. For this reason, the claws of the front legs of males are longer than those of females. Remember that this is most noticeable when comparing two adult animals.
In the red-eared tortoise this feature is particularly pronounced
Step 2. Look at the anal orifice
Both sexes have an opening under the tail, called the anus, but the position is slightly different.
- The anal orifice of females is more rounded, with a more pronounced star shape than that of males. In addition, it is located closer to the base of the tail, almost completely hidden by the shell.
- The male orifice is longer and has a more slit-like appearance. It is located in the last third of the tail, towards the tip.
Step 3. Look at the size of the queue
The male genitals are positioned close to the tail and, in order to accommodate them, this structure is thicker and longer than that of females. The tail of the female turtles is thinner and shorter.
Be aware that some male and female dogs may have the same size tails, so this is only a clue and not a solid proof of your pet's sex
Step 4. Evaluate several details to come to a conclusion
The best way to understand the sex of the turtle is to consider all the characteristics described so far in order to arrive at the most probable decision. Remember that some techniques are less reliable than others when it comes to gender definition of these reptiles.
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If all the clues lead to one conclusion, then the chances are high that you have accurately pinpointed the turtle's gender. However, if they are contradictory, then you will need to consult a veterinarian for certain information.
Tell if a Turtle Is Male or Female Step 8 - If in doubt, wait until the animal has grown and try again; it is very difficult to understand the sex of a young turtle.
- Remember that it may take many years for the turtle to fully grow and you can determine its sex with confidence.
Advice
- Get an anatomy manual or turtle guide so you can see pictures of the caudal orifices.
- There are many species of sea turtles (one of them is that of Kemp, but there are many others) that do not have any external physical characteristics that allow us to understand their sex. Talk to a marine wildlife veterinarian to understand your pet's gender.
