Turtles, tortoises, and terrapins—all members of the order Testudines—are an ancient group of reptiles whose lineage stretches back over 200 million years. These shelled vertebrates inhabit nearly every corner of the globe, from deep oceans to arid deserts. Despite the familiarity of these animals, the terminology used to describe their genders and life stages is often not widely known. Unlike many mammals with distinct gender names, the vocabulary for the different sexes of turtles is simpler, yet still includes some specific terms used in professional contexts.
The Direct Answer: Specific Names for Male Turtles
The most accurate and universally accepted term for a male turtle, tortoise, or terrapin is simply a “male.” In herpetology, the study of reptiles and amphibians, there is no single, widely recognized word like “stallion” or “buck” that applies across all species of Testudines. Scientific communication relies on the straightforward descriptor “male” to avoid confusion.
However, for very large terrestrial species, particularly giant tortoises, field biologists and keepers sometimes adopt livestock terminology. A large male tortoise may be referred to as a “bull,” borrowing the term used for adult male cattle or alligators. This usage is often applied to the dominant breeding male in a colony, such as the Galapagos or Aldabra tortoises. The general lack of a single, uniform term reflects that these animals are not domesticated livestock.
Identifying Gender: Key Physical Differences
Because a distinct common term is often lacking, determining the sex of a turtle or tortoise relies on observing physical differences known as sexual dimorphism. These anatomical distinctions are the most reliable way to identify a male, especially in mature individuals. The tail provides one of the most obvious cues.
Tail and Cloaca
Males typically possess a tail that is longer and notably thicker at the base than a female’s tail, which is necessary to house the male reproductive organ. The placement of the cloaca, the single opening for waste and reproduction, is also a reliable marker. In males, the cloacal opening is positioned further toward the tip of the tail, extending beyond the rear edge of the carapace (upper shell). A female’s cloaca is positioned much closer to the body, often near the margin of the shell.
Plastron and Claws
Another key difference is found on the plastron, the flat underside of the shell. Many male turtles and tortoises have a noticeably concave, or slightly indented, plastron. This concavity allows the male to maintain stability and balance on the female’s rounded carapace during mating. Some aquatic male species, such as the Red-eared Slider, also develop long, elongated claws on their front feet, which are used during courtship rituals to stroke the female’s head.
Names for Females and Young Turtles
The female of the species is most commonly referred to as a “female turtle” or “female tortoise.” The term “cow” is occasionally used by some keepers for the female of giant tortoise species, mirroring the usage of “bull” for males, but this is not a biological standard. Most female turtles are larger than males, a trait known as sexual size dimorphism, which provides space to produce and store eggs.
The terminology for young turtles is more consistent across all species. A newly hatched turtle, regardless of whether it is aquatic or terrestrial, is universally referred to as a “hatchling.” This term applies from the moment the young animal emerges from the egg and begins its independent life. Collective terms for a group of turtles include “bale” or “nest,” although these are not frequently used in scientific literature.