Cabeza Prieta Natural History Association
Sonoran Desert Reptiles
Gopherus agassizii (Desert tortoise)

Identification: 8 - 15 in. (20.3-38.1 cm). A high-domed shell, usually with prominent growth lines on shields of both carapace and plastron. Carapace brown, gray, or horn colored, usually without definite pattern. Plastron yellowish or brownish without a hinge. Forelimbs covered with large conical scales, when drawn in, limbs block openings of shell. Limbs stocky. Tail short. Young: Flexible shell. Nails longer and sharper than in adult.. Carapace dull yellow to light brown; shields usually with dark borders. Male: Gular shields longer than in female, and lump (chin gland) on each side of lower jaw larger.

Photo Credits:
Photo #1

Copyright Creative Commons

HTML & Programing by
Thomas R. Powell