What is the scientific name of the Greek Tortoise?

The scientific name of the Greek Tortoise is Testudo graeca.

What are other common names for the Greek Tortoise?

The Greek Tortoise is also known as Spur-thighed Tortoise and Moorish Tortoise.

How big do Greek Tortoises get?

Adult Greek Tortoises typically reach about 5-8 inches.

How long do Greek Tortoises live?

Greek Tortoises live about 50-70+ years with proper care.

What temperatures does a Greek Tortoise need?

Recommended temperatures for a Greek Tortoise: 70-75°F cool side, 80-85°F warm side, and 90-95°F basking spot.

What humidity does a Greek Tortoise need?

Greek Tortoises need 40-60% humidity.

Do Greek Tortoises need UVB lighting?

Yes. Recommended lighting for Greek Tortoises: UVA/UVB required.

What size enclosure does a Greek Tortoise need?

Recommended enclosure sizes for a Greek Tortoise: Baby-Young: 36”x18”x18” (>6 months +); Sub Adult-Adult: 48”x24”x24” (minimum).

What do Greek Tortoises eat?

Greek Tortoises eat: Herbivorous; Greens; Grasses; Fungi; Fruits & Flowers; Succulents.

Are Greek Tortoises good for beginners?

Greek Tortoises are not usually recommended for beginners; they are rated Intermediate for keeper experience. Diet, Humidity, and Supplementation must be perfect for these animals to thrive.

Are Greek Tortoises nocturnal or diurnal?

Greek Tortoises are diurnal (active during the day).

What is Greek Tortoise behavior like?

Common Greek Tortoise behavior traits: Can be standoffish when new; Docile generally; Warm up easily with consistent handling; Can be kept in groups.

Do Greek Tortoises lay eggs?

Yes. Greek Tortoises are oviparous, meaning they lay eggs.

How many eggs does a Greek Tortoise lay?

A Greek Tortoise clutch is typically about 5-10 eggs.

How long do Greek Tortoise eggs take to hatch?

Greek Tortoise eggs typically incubate for about 60-90 days before hatching.

What is the best substrate for sub-adult Greek Tortoises?

Recommended substrates for sub-adult Greek Tortoises: ReptiChip Breeder Blocks and Bundles and ReptiEarth Fine Coconut Fiber Mix; Ready to Use.

What is the best enclosure for a Greek Tortoise?

Recommended enclosures for Greek Tortoises by age. Juvenile: Vivarium 36" Sliding Door Reptile Terrariums. Sub-adult: Vivarium 48" Sliding Door Reptile Terrariums (4'x2').

What lighting products are best for a Greek Tortoise?

Recommended lighting products for Greek Tortoises: Arcadia 12% UVB D3 Desert Lighting.

What heating products does a Greek Tortoise need?

Recommended heating products for Greek Tortoises by age. Juvenile: Arcadia GoldenSun Basking Spot Heater and Vivarium Electronics Ceramic Dome Reflector. Sub-adult: Arcadia GoldenSun Basking Spot Heater and Vivarium Electronics Ceramic Dome Reflector. Adult: Vivarium Electronics Radiant Heat Panels and Vivarium Electronics Thermostats.

Greek Tortoise

Common Name(s)	Greek Tortoise Spur-thighed Tortoise Moorish Tortoise
Scientific Name	Testudo graeca
Behavior	Diurnal (active during day) Can be standoffish when new Docile generally Warm up easily with consistent handling Can be kept in groups
Reproduction	Oviparous (Egg Layer) Gestation: ~35-45 days Clutch size: ~5-10 eggs Incubation: ~60-90 days
Lifespan	~50-70+ years
Temperatures	70-75°F cool side 80-85°F warm side 90-95°F basking spot
Humidity	40-60%
Lighting	UVA/UVB required
Size	~5-8 inches
Enclosure Recommendations	Baby-Young: 36”x18”x18” (>6 months +) Sub Adult-Adult: 48”x24”x24” (minimum)
Experience Level	Intermediate Take note of lifespan Diet, Humidity, and Supplementation must be perfect for these animals to thrive *Parents should always be involved caring for any pet, until the child is 18 yrs.
Diet	Herbivorous Greens Grasses Fungi Fruits & Flowers Succulents

Filter by age:

Best Substrates for Subadult Greek Tortoises

ReptiChip Breeder Blocks and Bundles: Breeder Block

ReptiEarth Fine Coconut Fiber Mix; Ready to Use: 36 Quart

Best Enclosures for Subadult Greek Tortoises

48" Sliding Door Reptile Vivarium (4x2): 120 Gallon 48x24x24 / Black

Best Lighting Products for Subadult Greek Tortoises

Arcadia 12% UVB D3 Desert Lighting: LumenIZE® Smart UVB Kit / 48"

Best Heating Products for Subadult Greek Tortoises

Arcadia GoldenSun Basking Spot Heater: 75W

Vivarium Electronics Ceramic Dome Reflector: 8"

Best Substrates for Juvenile Greek Tortoises

ReptiChip Coarse Coconut Chip Mix; Ready to Use: 36 Quart

ReptiEarth Fine Coconut Fiber Mix; Ready to Use: 36 Quart

Best Enclosures for Juvenile Greek Tortoises

36" Sliding Door Reptile Vivarium (36x18) - 50 Gallon: Black

Best Lighting Products for Juvenile Greek Tortoises

Arcadia 12% UVB D3 Desert Lighting: LumenIZE® Smart UVB Kit / 36"

Best Heating Products for Juvenile Greek Tortoises

Arcadia GoldenSun Basking Spot Heater: 50W

Vivarium Electronics Ceramic Dome Reflector: 5.5"

The Greek Tortoise (Testudo graeca) is a fascinating species known for its diverse habitat range across southern Europe, North Africa, and parts of Asia. This tortoise thrives in various environments, from arid regions and scrublands to grasslands and Mediterranean forests. Their adaptability is reflected in their diet, which consists primarily of a variety of herbaceous plants, grasses, and succulent vegetation, making them important contributors to their ecosystems as grazers. Additionally, the Greek Tortoise exhibits remarkable longevity, often living for over 50 years in captivity and potentially up to 100 years in the wild. This impressive lifespan underscores the importance of proper care and habitat preservation for their continued survival.

Another intriguing aspect of the Greek Tortoise is its distinct appearance, characterized by a domed, high shell that can vary in coloration from yellow to brown, often with unique patterns that help in camouflage within their natural habitats. Greek Tortoises are also known for their behavior; they are primarily diurnal, becoming active during the day to forage for food and bask in the sun. During the hotter months, they exhibit a behavior known as "brumation," where they enter a state of dormancy in response to extreme temperatures. This species is also notable for its social structure; while generally solitary, they may occasionally congregate in small groups, particularly during the breeding season. Their fascinating behaviors, longevity, and adaptability make the Greek Tortoise a captivating species for both researchers and reptile enthusiasts alike.

Native Range

North Africa

Southern Europe

Southwest Asia

Black Sea coast of the Caucasus, from Anapa, Russia, to Sukhumi in Abkhazia, Georgia, continuing through regions of Georgia, Armenia, Iran, and Azerbaijan

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Common Greek Tortoise ReptiChip Questions

: The scientific name of the Greek Tortoise is Testudo graeca.
: The Greek Tortoise is also known as Spur-thighed Tortoise and Moorish Tortoise.
: North Africa. Southern Europe. Southwest Asia. Black Sea coast of the Caucasus, from Anapa, Russia, to Sukhumi in Abkhazia, Georgia, continuing through regions of Georgia, Armenia, Iran, and Azerbaijan.
: Adult Greek Tortoises typically reach about 5-8 inches.
: Greek Tortoises live about 50-70+ years with proper care.
: Recommended temperatures for a Greek Tortoise: 70-75°F cool side, 80-85°F warm side, and 90-95°F basking spot.
: Greek Tortoises need 40-60% humidity.
: Yes. Recommended lighting for Greek Tortoises: UVA/UVB required.
: Recommended enclosure sizes for a Greek Tortoise: Baby-Young: 36”x18”x18” (>6 months +); Sub Adult-Adult: 48”x24”x24” (minimum).
: Greek Tortoises eat: Herbivorous; Greens; Grasses; Fungi; Fruits & Flowers; Succulents.
: Greek Tortoises are not usually recommended for beginners; they are rated Intermediate for keeper experience. Diet, Humidity, and Supplementation must be perfect for these animals to thrive.
: Greek Tortoises are diurnal (active during the day).
: Common Greek Tortoise behavior traits: Can be standoffish when new; Docile generally; Warm up easily with consistent handling; Can be kept in groups.
: Yes. Greek Tortoises are oviparous, meaning they lay eggs.
: A Greek Tortoise clutch is typically about 5-10 eggs.
: Greek Tortoise eggs typically incubate for about 60-90 days before hatching.
: Recommended substrates for juvenile Greek Tortoises: ReptiChip Coarse Coconut Chip Mix; Ready to Use and ReptiEarth Fine Coconut Fiber Mix; Ready to Use.
: Recommended substrates for sub-adult Greek Tortoises: ReptiChip Breeder Blocks and Bundles and ReptiEarth Fine Coconut Fiber Mix; Ready to Use.
: Recommended substrates for adult Greek Tortoises: ReptiChip Breeder Blocks and Bundles and ReptiEarth Breeder Blocks and Bundles.
: Recommended enclosures for Greek Tortoises by age. Juvenile: Vivarium 36" Sliding Door Reptile Terrariums. Sub-adult: Vivarium 48" Sliding Door Reptile Terrariums (4'x2').
: Recommended lighting products for Greek Tortoises: Arcadia 12% UVB D3 Desert Lighting.
: Recommended heating products for Greek Tortoises by age. Juvenile: Arcadia GoldenSun Basking Spot Heater and Vivarium Electronics Ceramic Dome Reflector. Sub-adult: Arcadia GoldenSun Basking Spot Heater and Vivarium Electronics Ceramic Dome Reflector. Adult: Vivarium Electronics Radiant Heat Panels and Vivarium Electronics Thermostats.