The main characteristic of T. graeca are the two small tubercles or 'spurs' found on the thighs, one to each side of the tail. There are a number of different races, and even full species, currently referred to Testudo graeca (e.g., Testudo ibera): there is unfortunately not sufficient space here to describe them all adequately. Their taxonomy is in any case far from straightforward and in some cases is disputed - the Tortoise Trust publishes several guides to identification so contact us if you require more information.

　　希腊陆龟的典型特征是在他们的大腿上（尾巴的两侧）能找到两个刺状物。

　　TESTUDO HERMANNI (Hermann's Tortoise)

　　The Hermann's Tortoise is quite obviously different from T. graeca; it lacks thigh tubercles or spurs; the tail is long and fairly pointed, with an additional hard, bony tip. The tail of a male specimen is, of course, much longer than that of a female.

　　TESTUDO MARGINATA (Marginated tortoise)

　　T. marginata are found naturally only in southern Greece - in fact they are the only 'Greek' tortoise which is actually exclusively Greek in origin. They are somewhat rare, and have been a protected species for a number of years. Adult specimens of T. marginata can grow up to 300 mm long, and they possess a distinctively 'flared' and elongated posterior margin - hence the name. Testudo marginata is a large and impressive tortoise, and has a quite distinct appearance. The males have a distinctly narrow waist and very large flared posterior marginals. Females are much 'rounder' overall, and do not have quite such a profound flare.

　　TESTUDO HORSFIELDI (Horsfield's or Russian tortoise)

　　This species originates in Central Asia, principally in Pakistan and Afghanistan. It is of a generally light-golden hue with black markings, reaches a maximum of about 250 mm , and combines the miniature spurs with pointed tail similar to T. hermanni. It has a 'stubby' squarish body, a long neck, and, most distinctively, only four toes per foot. Hibernation is recommended, but extra-special care should be exercised as this tortoise is particularly prone to respiratory and skin complaints. It requires a very low humidity environment, and must never be subjected to damp. Large numbers have been collected in recent years, and wild-caught animals are common in the pet trade. Most do not survive for long.

　　TERRAPENE (NORTH AMERICAN BOX TURTLES)

　　At least 4 varieties are encountered in the pet trade, Terrapene carolina carolina (Carolina or Eastern box turtle), T. carolina triunguis (Three-toed box turtle), T. ornata (Ornate box turtle), and T. c. bauri (Florida box turtle). At the time of writing all species are still being sold as pets. Currently there is an export ban on box turtles, causing an incredible number of "surplus" turtles for sale in within the USA. Many who do have box turtles overseas have experienced great difficulty in trying to keep them alive in captivity. These turtles are extremely sensitive to their surroundings, and if proper conditions are not available they die all too easily.
In reality, box turtles are really only suitable for experienced reptile enthusiasts. Box turtles get their name from their hinged plastron (bottom of shell), which closes up completely concealing the animal's head and legs as a defense mechanism. Animals sold in pet shops are wild-caught (not captive bred) and are frequently very nervous and reluctant to feed. Box turtles are private, solitary animals. This stress inevitably causes illness. The Tortoise Trust publishes separate, detailed, advice dealing with their husbandry. However, the main points relative to their care are that box turtles require live worms, slugs and similar food items, fruits and vegetables, a moderately warm environment with reasonable humidity, and constant access to bathing and drinking water. Box turtles are NOT suitable vivarium animals and must NOT be kept in tanks or similar enclosures. Box turtles are attractive and fascinating animals, but do require quite different conditions than other turtles. They are NOT "normal" tortoises, however, and should never be treated as such.

　　Many species of tortoise appear in pet stores which DO NOT hibernate. It is important that when purchasing any animal, you identify it correctly, otherwise, obtaining accurate information on its environmental or dietary requirements will prove extremely difficult.
Hinge-back tortoises

　　Several African species: Kinixys belliana (Bell's hinged tortoise), Kinixys erosa (Eroded hinged tortoise), Kinixys natalensis (Natal hinged tortoise) and Kinixys homeana (Home's hinged tortoise). As their names imply, all have as a major distinguishing feature a flexible hinged carapace.
Hibernation should not be attempted with these species; they require a warm, very humid vivarium environment all year round, or at least can only go outside in mild weather. Otherwise, care is approximately the same as for box turtles. One interesting feature is that African hinge-back tortoises tend to be most active late and night and early in the morning, a reversal of the usual behavioral trend in tortoises. Their native diet includes fruit, mushrooms, giant land snails and millipedes. In captivity they enjoy melons, over-ripe fruits of all kinds and a very limited quantity of animal based food. A water bath should be provided at all times.

　　HOMOPUS TORTOISES (Padlopers)

　　Although extremely rare, we have encountered several specimens of these little South African tortoises in captivity. There are five species, all endemic to S. Africa; Homopus femoralis (Greater padloper), H. areolatus (Parrot-beaked tortoise), H. boulengeri (Karoo tortoise), H. signatus (Speckled padloper) and a recently re-discovered species known as H. bergeri (Nama or Berger's padloper). Most occur in Cape province.

　　GEOCHELONE SULCATA (African spurred tortoise) （苏卡达）

　　Please be careful not to confuse this tortoise with the similarly named Spur-THIGHED tortoise (Testudo graeca). Unfortunately, Geochelone sulcata, the African spurred tortoise is very frequently mis-described as the "African spur-thighed tortoise" which understandably causes a lot of confusion for everyone. The Spur-thighed tortoise (T. graeca) and African spurred tortoise (G. sulcata) are very different animals indeed. T. graeca is a relatively small tortoise rarely more than 10" in length, while an adult G. sulcata is two and a half-feet long and can weigh almost 200 pounds!! In addition, Testudo graeca can hibernate while G. sulcata does not. The Tortoise Trust has books and other information dealing specifically with Geochelone sulcata if required.

　　OTHER TROPICAL TORTOISES （热带陆龟）

　　Geochelone pardalis is the African Leopard Tortoise. Geochelone carbonaria is the Red Footed Tortoise. Geochelone denticulata is the Yellow Foot Tortoise, and Manouria emys is the Burmese Brown Tortoise.
None of these creatures are in any way suitable as pets for children, and should not be purchased as such. They all require very specialized (and very expensive) housing and expert handling. They do not hibernate. Separate care-sheets are available from the Tortoise Trust which provide detailed information on many of the species named above. The Tortoise Trust also has a video and booklet available dealing with South African species

　　（评：以上是介绍如何鉴别龟龟的种类。我想，现在互联网发达，论坛上的龟友对龟龟种类的鉴别能力都很强。这段就略过不翻译了。这里只把原文贴出来，感兴趣的朋友可以自己看看。）

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