There are currently three generally accepted sub-species - Testudo Horsfieldi Horsfieldi , Testudo Horsfieldi Kazachtanica and Testudo Horsfieldi Rustmovi . However due to their wide spread distribution, I suspect there may be several other sub-species of this tortoise yet to be classified.
Originally described and named as Testudo Horsfieldi (sometimes spelt with an extra "i" - Horsfieldii ) by Gray in 1844, it now boasts more common aliases than any other tortoise, namely Horsfield's tortoise, Afghan tortoise, Four toed tortoise, Russian tortoise,Central Asian tortoise and the Steppe tortoise. It is infact one of these names that points to a key identifying characteristic of this species - a tortoise which only has four claws on each foot, hence the name "four-toed tortoise". (All other species have five claws on their forelimbs, except for a Bulgarian race of T.H.Boetgerri)
In addition to having four claws, it is only one of two Testudo species which has a completely rigid plastron (the other being T.Hermanni). It also posess a horny tip to the tail, similar to T.Hermanni, only not as prominent. This species has a uniquely shaped carapace, being very low, rather flat and almost round. This gives the tortoise a very strong, robust, and stocky appearance.
The carapace background colour is an olive green-brown, with iregular black blotches on most scutes. In some cases this pigmentation can make the animal very dark. The plastron is of similar colouration to the carapace, with large dark patches on each scute. Skin coloration is lighter, normally an olive colour. This species has large, thick forelegs which are used for extensive digging and burrowing. Although they don't posess thigh spurs like T.Graeca, they do however feature a cluster of small scaley tubercles on their upper rear thighs. Adulthood sizes vary between 16 to 20cm, although some females can surpass 22cm.
Gender diversity
There are no obvious differences in body shape between males and females, but females are considerably larger in overall size. As usual the male has a much larger and thicker tail. The male also posesses a slightly larger horny tip to the tail. The male plastron is slightly concave whereas the female's is completely flat.Identification in brief
- Small tubercles on the rear thighs are present
- A small horny tip is present on the end of the tail
- No flexible plastral hinge or suture
- Four claws on each foot
- Very round and flat carapace
Requirements
Housing : Both outdoor and indoor/greenhouse accomodationSubstrate : Sand, soil and gravel of considerable depth
Planting : Cacti, shrubs, grasses & weeds
Diet : Herbivorous
Hibernation : Yes
Other : These animals cannot tolerate damp or high humidity levels.
They are considerable diggers and climbers, so pens need to be extra secure to prevent escape.