The Marginated Tortoise (Testudo marginata) has a distinct colouration change from hatchling to adults. Hatchlings of the species have a white/cream shell, known as a carapace, with a brown border on each scute. Once an adult their carapace colour will be almost jet black with a cream colour in the middle of the scutes. Marginated Tortoise are terrestrial species, and in their natural habitat love to spend most of their time burrowed down in substrate. Their natural habitat consists of dry scrub woodland, hillsides and meadows. Unlike other tortoise, the Marginated Tortoise shell has a noticeable ‘flare’ out at the bottom rear forming an almost ‘skirt’ like feature.