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 What is the Name of a Male Turtle and How to Distinguish It from the Female?

Turtles are fascinating creatures with unique traits, including differences between males and females. In this article, we will explore the name of a male turtle, how to distinguish it from the female, and the effects of environmental factors and sexual maturity on turtles.

Name of a Male Turtle

In Arabic, a male turtle is referred to as "al-Ghaylam" . Identifying the gender of a turtle at first glance can be challenging due to the subtle differences between males and females. However, with careful observation, one can distinguish between them.

How to Distinguish a Male Turtle from a Female

Examine the Shell: 

The plastron (the underside of the shell) of a male turtle is slightly concave, allowing it to fit more comfortably with the female's shell during mating.

Check the Tail: 

The male turtle's tail is longer and thicker compared to the female's tail.

Examine the Cloaca:

 The cloaca (the reproductive and intestinal opening) in males is closer to the tip of the tail, whereas in females, it is closer to the shell.

Check the Claws:

 Male turtles have longer front claws, which they use during mating.

Examine the Turtle's Color:

 Males typically have brighter orange and red markings on their face and front legs compared to females.

Check Eye Color: 

Male turtles usually have orange or red eyes, while female turtles typically have yellow or light brown eyes.

Impact of Temperature on Turtle Gender

The sex of turtle hatchlings is determined by the temperature of their eggs, a phenomenon known as "temperature-dependent sex determination (TSD)." Research has shown three temperature scenarios:

1. Below 27.6°C (81.7°F): The hatchlings will be male.
2. Above 31°C (87.8°F): The hatchlings will be female.
3. Between these temperatures: The hatchlings will be a mix of males and females.

Climate changes can affect soil temperature, potentially leading to higher female ratios and influencing hatching conditions, which may impact turtle species.

Sexual Maturity in Male Turtles

As male turtles reach sexual maturity, they exhibit distinctive physical traits, such as a long tail that may extend beyond the hind flippers and contains the reproductive organ. Additionally, all male turtles, except leatherback sea turtles, have long claws that curve over their front flippers, aiding in holding onto the female during mating.

Turtle Mating

Turtle mating seasons vary by species and environment. Some species reach sexual maturity after several years, while others take up to fifty years. Males compete for mating rights with females, and mating involves the intertwining of tails for the male to transfer his reproductive organ into the female's cloaca.

Turtle Feeding

Turtles lack teeth and use their sharp-edged mouths to bite and chew food. Most turtles are omnivores, eating plants and meat such as fish, mollusks, worms, and insects. However, some species specialize in jellyfish, while others feed exclusively on mollusks.

Identifying a turtle's gender and understanding its physiological and behavioral characteristics enhance our ability to care for them effectively. By distinguishing between males and females and recognizing the impact of environmental factors on hatchling gender, turtle keepers and observers can ensure a healthy and thriving life for these remarkable creatures.

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