Scute Education

AbbyLee22

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5 Year Member
Joined
Oct 27, 2014
Messages
98
Location (City and/or State)
New Mexico
Can someone explain, maybe with pics, what 'an extra scute' or a 'split scute' means and why it seems to be a bad thing? I tried searching it, but again with the too much info. Does it cause health issues, is that why it is not desired or is it mainly a looks thing? Thanks!
 

G-stars

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5 Year Member
Joined
Jul 11, 2014
Messages
1,889
Location (City and/or State)
Southern California
It's mainly a looks thing as far as we know. There has been plenty of tortoises with extra/missing scutes. Most tortoises have 5 scutes on top/ in the middle/down the spine and 4 on each side.


— Gus
 

Elohi

Well-Known Member
5 Year Member
Joined
Sep 7, 2013
Messages
5,862
Location (City and/or State)
Texas
This little one I just hatched has two tiny symmetrical split scutes. From what I understand it's an anomaly that happens more often in females than males but is certainly not female exclusive. It happens more with warmer incubation temperatures and can sometimes be genetic. I am recalling various information I've read here on the forum.
ImageUploadedByTortoise Forum1414597049.895870.jpg
 

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