The carapace of the radiated tortoise is brilliantly marked with yellow lines radiating from the center of each dark plate of the shell, hence its name. This "star" pattern is more finely detailed and intricate than the normal pattern of other star-patterned tortoise species, such as Geochelone elegans of India.

As a tortoise the most noticeable feature of the radiated tortoise is their large, smooth domed shell. This is coloured dark brown and is noticeable for the star like patterns of yellow lines which radiate out from the centre of each scale (scute).

This somewhat large tortoise (up to 16" and 35 lbs) stands tall on thick elephantine feet which carry its noticeably arched shell high off the ground. The bulbous black carapace is intricately marked with yellow radiating lines on each scute giving the animal a wonderful display of contrast.

The Radiated tortoise that lives in Madagascar is amongst the most attractive of tortoises. Its high-domed, dark carapace has brilliant yellow markings that radiate out from the center of all its plates to make this tortoise's distinctive pattern. The shell’s dark pigment fades as the individual grows older, producing a shell of a lighter color.

The Radiated Tortoise, scientifically known as Astrochelys radiata, is a fascinating reptile found in the southern parts of Madagascar. This tortoise is known for its striking appearance, with a high-domed shell adorned with yellow lines radiating from the center, resembling the rays of the sun.

Extremities are yellow and the carapace, or shell, is black with a yellow star-like pattern radiating from each scute. Their beautiful shells make them a prime target for the illegal pet trade. They graze on vegetation, including grasses, fruits and succulents. Radiated tortoises live in scrublands and spiny forest.

The Astrochelys radiata, commonly known as the Radiated Tortoise, is a species renowned for its striking shell markings which are highly distinctive and intricate. These tortoises are long-lived and have become a symbol of the wildlife endemic to Madagascar.

Radiated tortoises have a smooth, high-domed carapace (top shell) marked with yellow lines radiating from the center of each dark plate of the shell, hence the name radiated tortoise. Its body is yellow, with a black patch on its head. They can weigh up …

Radiated tortoises have a highly domed, smooth shell, called a carapace, with striking yellow lines radiating from the center of each dark plate of the shell. This “star” pattern gives the tortoise its common name.

The Radiated Tortoise (Astrochelys radiata) is an endangered species of tortoise native to the spiny forests and grasslands of Madagascar. It is one of the world’s most iconic tortoises, recognizable by its beautiful yellow-radiating patterned shell.