4-5” 

• Scientific name: Testudo graeca
• Lifespan: Often 50+ years
• Size: Usually 5–10 inches (13–25 cm)
• Diet: Herbivorous — leafy greens, weeds, flowers
• Native range: Southern Europe, North Africa, and parts of the Middle East
• Temperament: Generally gentle and hardy

Appearance

Greek tortoises usually have:

• A high-domed shell with yellow-and-black patterns
• Thick, sturdy legs adapted for dry terrain
• A distinctive spur on each thigh (one way to distinguish them from some other tortoises)

Habitat & care

In captivity they need:

• Warm basking areas with UVB lighting
• Dry, well-ventilated enclosures
• Access to calcium-rich greens
• Seasonal temperature management

Diet examples

Good foods include:

• Dandelion greens
• Collard greens
• Plantain weeds
• Hibiscus flowers
• Endive and escarole

Avoid too much fruit or high-protein foods.

Interesting fact

Despite the name, Greek tortoises are not exclusively from Greece — the species is spread across many Mediterranean regions and includes several subspecies.