Hermann's tortoises range in size from 120 to 230 mm total length and weigh 2 to 2.5 kg. Females tend to be larger than males and reach sexual maturity at a younger age. Hermann's tortoises are unique due to their divided supracaudal scute, which is a scale-like plate located on the tail end of their shell. Another unique feature of Hermann's tortoises is a horny scale located on the tail. The coloration of the shell varies - the western subspecies is very colorful, while the eastern subspecies is relatively dull. Both subspecies have distinct dark bands under the shell. These tortoises can have 4 or 5 front claws/digits, which is apparently strongly influenced by the genetic characteristics of the mother. Females with 4 claws on their front limbs are 4 times as likely to have offspring with the same number of claws. Sex can be identified in juveniles by the combination of a number of subtle differences in the shapes of the tail, carapace, plastron and anal scutes. It takes at least 4 years (ir sometimes up to 10) before carapace differences are obvious, as the carapace length must be 10 cm or more to be useful in sex determination.