Russian tortoise (Agrionemys horsfieldii) is a small species of tortoise but a threatened one due to habitat degradation. Its scientific name depicts the name of the 19th century American naturalist and physician called Thomas Horsfield. In 1968, two tortoises of this species traveled to the moon and were the first one to undertake such a journey. These tortoises can sustain extreme temperatures and therefore ideal as a pet animal.
Male tortoises have bigger claws and tails. The color of its upper shell is black to reddish-brown while its body is yellowish-brown in appearance.
Russian tortoise can grow 
from a size of 13 to 25 centimeters in length. As compare to male tortoises, females are relatively larger.
Russian tortoises have a lifespan of more than 40 years.
A female Russian tortoise reaches maturity at the length of 15 centimeters. At birth, the size of the hatchling is around 2.5 centimeters.
They are herbivorous species of tortoises. They feed on flowers, leafy green vegetables like lamb’s lettuce, geraniums, dandelions and weeds. They do not, however, prefer to eat grasses. These tortoises like to eat a wide variety of vegetables as opposed to just one kind.
Other Names: Horsfield’s Tortoise, Central Asian Tortoise
