Fully grown

[newsking12]

Hi, when is a hermann tortoise classed a adult? And how big will they get? Andy

 

[GBtortoises]

There are at least two different accepted subspecies of Hermann's. But by many counts there are actually three or four different subspecies. The most common (and recognized) in captivity is the Eastern Hermann's, ]Testudo hermanni boettgeri. An adult female can average anywhere from 5.5-9". Most in captivity are around 6.5-7.5". Males can average between 5-7", most are around 5.5-6". The second most common (and not always accepted) subspecies is the Dalmatian Hermann's, T. h. hercegovinensis. Adults tend to be smaller than their Eastern cousins at about 5.5-7" for females and 5-6" for males. The subspecies considered to be the smallest (and rarest) is the nominate species, the Western Hermann's, T. h. hermanni. Adult females can range is size from 5-7" and males being barely 5" to 6" for a large one. For the most part members of this subspecies are on the smaller side of the size range overall. They are considered to be the smallest of the three main subspecies but in reality there are many examples of Dalmatian Hermann's being smaller as mature adults than Western Hermann's. There are also some examples of Easterns being smaller. The fourth, most widely unknown and uncommon in captivity subspecies is the Peloponnese Hermann's, T. h. pelonponnesica (I may have butchered the spelling!). It is still up in the air whether it's a true subspecies or simply a regional growth variety of another subspecies. Regardless, they are virturally non-existant in captivity.

In terms of when a Hermann's in classed as an adult, there is no defined size. But most breeders consider them to be young adults when they reach the size of sexual maturity. In other words when a male can sucessfully copulate and reproduce and when a female can successfully lay fertile eggs. That maturity size varies based on the mature sizes of the different subspecies.

For a very good description, with excellent illustration photos, check out the "important threads" area at the top of the Hermann's forum page written by HermanniChris.