Pyxis planicauda (Flat-tailed Tortoise)

Conservation Status:
Genus:

Home > Turtle Database > Pyxis planicauda (Flat-tailed Tortoise)

Credit: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flat-backed_spider_tortoise

The flat-tailed tortoise is a small, critically endangered tortoise found only in Madagascar. It’s best known for its unusually flat shell, which helps it hide under leaf litter. Its unique shape and limited range make it one of the rarest tortoises in the world.

Native To These Regions

Madagascar

Native Turtle Species Map – Find Turtles by Region

Scientific Classification

Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Testudines
Family: Testudinidae
Genus: Pyxis
Species: Pyxis planicauda

Common Names

  • Flat-tailed Tortoise
  • Madagascan Flat-tailed Tortoise
  • Flat-backed spider tortoise

This Hilarious Turtle Book Might Know Your Pet Better Than You Do

Let’s be real—most turtle care guides feel like reading a textbook written by a sleep-deprived zookeeper.

This one’s not that.

Told from the snarky point of view of a grumpy, judgmental turtle, 21 Turtle Truths You’ll Never Read in a Care Guide is packed with sarcasm, sass, and surprisingly useful insights.

And hey—you don’t have to commit to the whole thing just yet.

Grab 2 free truths from the ebook and get a taste of what your turtle really thinks about your setup, your food choices, and that weird plastic palm tree.

It’s funny, it’s honest, and if you’ve ever owned a turtle who glares at you like you’re the problem—you’ll feel seen.

Identification

Description
This tortoise has a very flat and oval shell with distinct dark and light patterning. The carapace is tan to dark brown with radiating yellowish lines. Adults reach about 15–17 cm in length. Its plastron is lighter in color, and the tail is short and flat, giving it its name.

Sexual Dimorphism
Males are slightly smaller with longer tails. Females tend to have shorter, more rounded tails and slightly wider shells.

Check more turtles from the Pyxis genus

Pyxis arachnoides (Common Spider Tortoise)

Native Origin and Distribution

Geographical Range
The flat-tailed tortoise is only found in the western forests of Madagascar, mainly in the Menabe region. Its range is very limited and fragmented.

Preferred Habitat

It lives in dry deciduous forests with lots of leaf litter. These forests provide the ground cover and shelter it needs to avoid predators and harsh sunlight.

Behavior

Feeding Habits
It eats fallen fruits, flowers, leaves, and sometimes fungi. It forages during the early morning and late afternoon when it’s cooler.

Predators
Natural predators include birds of prey and carnivorous mammals. Humans and invasive species like dogs and cats also pose serious threats.

Reproduction

Breeding Season
Mating takes place during the rainy season, usually between November and April.

Reproductive Method
Females lay one to three eggs per clutch, burying them in shallow nests. Incubation lasts several months, and hatchlings are independent from birth.

Conservation

Extinction Status
Critically Endangered (IUCN Red List)

Threats
Habitat loss due to slash-and-burn farming and logging is the biggest threat. It’s also targeted by the illegal pet trade.

Conservation Measures
Some areas of its habitat are now protected. Breeding programs exist, and local awareness campaigns aim to reduce illegal trade and habitat destruction.

Economic Importance

This species has no major role in the economy. Sadly, it is sometimes sold illegally as an exotic pet, which fuels its decline.

Interesting Facts

The flat-tailed tortoise has a very limited home range and rarely travels far. It often stays under the same bush or tree for weeks. Its unique flat shell helps it blend in perfectly with the dry forest floor, making it hard to spot.

About Author

Muntaseer Rahman started keeping pet turtles back in 2013. He also owns the largest Turtle & Tortoise Facebook community in Bangladesh. These days he is mostly active on Facebook.