Malti is a tortoise.
The day I first brought her home was about the same moment I realized I didn’t know the difference between a “tortoise” and a “turtle.”
Then people started asking me, the new turtle-tortoise owner, “Hey, so what is the difference between a ‘tortoise’ and a ‘turtle?'”
Awesome.
“Hmmmm. Well, ummm, uh…..”
So here are some basics to help you tell a turtle from a tortoise.
The following notes are not at all scientific – just a few highlights to help you eyeball-guess which might be which if you need to know in a hurry. 🙂
A Tortoise….
- Is a reptile (cold-blooded).
- Lives on land.
- FYI: “Box turtle” is also a type of tortoise.
- Tends to be slow-moving.
- Some are arid (desert) species and some are tropical (hot, humid) species.
- Is NOT a great swimmer but will seek out water to drink, shallow-soak and bathe.
- Likes to sun-bask for warmth and UV light.
- Some species will hibernate by digging a deep burrow in the ground.
- Typically has stronger forelegs for digging.
- Skin is rougher and thicker and legs are stubbier and wider.
- Lays eggs on land in underground nests.
- Shells are heavier and often dome-like/less smooth in appearance.
- Diet is either herbivorous or omnivorous, depending on species.
- Typical lifespan is 30 or more years…some species can live for 200 years or longer!
A Turtle…..
- Is a reptile (cold-blooded).
- Lives mostly in water.
- Is a great swimmer!
- FYI: “Terrapin” = spends equal time in water and on land.
- Can move fast whether in water or on land.
- Enjoys sun-basking on rocks in/near ponds, lakes, bayous, et al.
- Will go into torpor (similar to hibernation) by burrowing in mud in cold weather.
- Typically has longer, stronger, lean legs with webbed feet.
- Lays eggs on land in underground nests.
- Shells are more lightweight and flat/streamlined looking.
- Will eat a varied omnivorous diet (greens, fruits, insects, et al).
- Typical lifespan is 20 to 40 years….but some species can live much longer.
