Testudo terrestris is a name used by Forsskål in 1775 for a tortoise from the Middle East, now generally considered a synonym of Testudo graeca. It has nomenclatural significance as a candidate neotype.
Lineage: Turtles and Tortoises (TESTUDINES) > Cryptodira (CRYPTODIRA) > Durocryptodira (DUROCRYPTODIRA) > Testudinoid Turtles Superfamily (TESTUDINOIDEA) > Tortoises (TESTUDINIDAE) > Typical Tortoises Subfamily (TESTUDININAE) > Mediterranean Tortoises (Testudo) > Mediterranean Tortoises Subgenus (Testudo (Testudo)) > Spur-thighed Tortoise (Testudo (Testudo) graeca) > Mesopotamian Tortoise (Testudo (Testudo) graeca terrestris). This path helps place the taxon within its family, genus, or species-level context.
Plate page 360
Chinese Name
欧洲陆龟美索不达米亚亚种
English Name
Mesopotamian Tortoise
Scientific Name
Testudo (Testudo) graeca terrestris
Rank
Subspecies
Plate notes
Testudo terrestris
Trivia
Testudo terrestris was originally described as a new species, but the name was later suppressed for nomenclatural stability. A neotype was designated in 2004.
Overview
Testudo terrestris is a name used by Forsskål in 1775 for a tortoise from the Middle East, now generally considered a synonym of Testudo graeca. It has nomenclatural significance as a candidate neotype.
Scientific Name
Testudo terrestris
Ecological Habits
Assumed similar to Testudo graeca: terrestrial, herbivorous, inhabiting Mediterranean scrublands.
Major Threats & Conservation
Not applicable as a synonym; however, the populations it represents face the same threats as Testudo graeca.
Morphological Characteristics
Based on historical descriptions, it resembles a medium-sized Testudo graeca with a domed carapace and typical coloration.
Natural Distribution & Conservation Status
The type locality is uncertain but likely in Egypt or the Levant. Not currently recognized as a valid species; included under Testudo graeca.
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