Little white dots

[Taz3388]

Hi all can anyone please tell me what these little white dots are over the shell. Tried a little Google searching but Google images tend to show you everything your not asking for
Thanks for any help

 

[Taz3388]

Another pic

 

[Toons1978]

Those white dots are where the new lines are starting. They are born with 3-5 lines on each scute and as they grow, new lines begin at the scute borders. over time those dots will grow into the pattern that defines Star Tortoises.

Here is the same tortoise in June, October, and December. You can see where the dots have become stripes. Watching new patterns begin and grow is one of my favorite aspects of this and other species with radiating patterns.

 

[Taz3388]

Oh great I would never have even thought of that. Thank you for your help