How To Tell If A Turtle Is Male Or Female

The female also may show dark grey mottling or blotching on the shell while the shell of the male displays rings.

How to tell if a turtle is male or female. Female Red Eared Slider. The eyes of the male turtle are generally reddish while the female turtle has deep brown eyes. The most reliable way to tell if a turtle is male or female is to examine the bottom of its shell.

Male turtles have a curved in plastron that almost looks like defined pectoral muscles on a man. The difference between sexes shows mainly in the structure of the tail and for the male snapper the tail is longer thicker 2 and the vent is located much further 1 from the edge of the plastron then that of the female. If it caves inward the turtle is most likely male and if it doesnt cave inward its most likely female.

Another factor to consider when finding out whether a turtle is male or female is to calculate the length of the tail. Males have considerably larger claws then females. Looking at the bottom of the tortoises shell you will immediately be able to tell the difference between a male and female given that on males it will be concave meaning it goes inward.

By carefully observing these parts on adult turtles you can easily distinguish a female from a male red-eared slider turtle. This is so he doesnt fall off the female during the mating process. However unlike many mammals turtles have no external genitalia.

The females and males of snapping turtles are about the same size. On most male turtles the shell is slightly concave. Take a peek at the underside of your turtle.

Also male turtle tails will be slightly longer and wider at the base than a female. Female turtles have a short tail which generally doesnt extend more than 10 cm 4 inches past the edge of the carapace. The females toes are longer and slender with straighter talons.