Appearance
The Russian tortoise is a small tortoise species, with a size range of 13–25 cm . Females grow slightly larger to accommodate more eggs. Males average 13–20 cm .They are herbivores and feed on weeds and wild flowers.
Russian tortoises are sexually dimorphic. Males tend to have longer tails generally tucked to the side; females have a short, fat tail. The male has a slit-shaped vent near the tip of its tail; the female has an asterisk-shaped vent .
Russian tortoises have four toes. Coloration varies, but the shell is usually a ruddy brown or black, fading to yellow between the scutes, and the body is straw-yellow and brown.
The male Russian tortoise courts a female through head bobbing, circling, and biting her forelegs. When she submits, he mounts her from behind, making high-pitched squeaking noises during mating.
Russian Tortoises do not require a cites article 10 certificate.
Naming
Both the specific name, ''horsfieldii'', and the common name, Horsfield's tortoise, are in honor of the American naturalist Thomas Horsfield.References:
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