Another thread prompted me to start this thread. Some believe that a split scute is influenced by heat during the incubation period and is usually females that have the split scutes. I can say that we have never had a hatchling aldabra with a split scute. I know of several female tortoises, various species, that do have split scutes. I do not recall any males that I know of that do have split scutes. Can anyone verify that they have or have seen a male tortoise that has split scutes? I have spoken to some that believe split scutes are genic and normal for some tortoises. I do not know the truth and can not support any theory. I will add that I do not incubate at high temperatures, and could be why we have never had a split scute on any hatchling. All thoughts, opinions, and experiences welcome.