Western Hermann’s Tortoise

Western Hermann’s tortoises make great family members and get along well with other tortoises and most respectful other pets.  See the Western Hermann’s tortoise on the left side of the photo compared to the eastern, which is larger, and less colorful on the right. The Tuscan locale has the most vibrant neon yellow/green over deep black contrast, making them our favorite pet tortoises for sale.

lso known as “The Italian Tortoise”, this is the nominate subspecies of Hermann’s tortoise and has not yet elevated to full species level even though efforts have already been made (Eurotestudo hermanni, 2006). It is the rarest form of the three currently recognized subspecies, especially in USA collections.

Today it is found in the south of France, including the island of Corsica, the Balearic Islands (Spain), south and central Italy and the Italian islands of Sicily and Sardinia. Known for its bright coloration and sharp contrasts, the western Hermann’s tortoise is typically a small, attractive animal with a rich, golden yellow shell.

There is much variation with this subspecies as with any other Mediterranean tortoise, including a diversity of colors, sizes and other external features even within a specific locality. The following is a list of the key characteristics and widely accepted traits typically found in these animals: