tortoise

n. any of several species of terrestrial turtle, species of land-dwelling reptile with a hard dome-shaped shell

A tortoise or land turtle is a land-dwelling reptile of the order Testudines. Like their aquatic cousins, the sea turtles, tortoises are shielded from predators by a shell. The top part of the shell is the carapace, the underside is the plastron, and the two are connected by the bridge. The tortoise has both an endoskeleton and an exoskeleton. Tortoises can vary in size from a few centimetres to two meters. Tortoises tend to be diurnal animals with tendencies to be crepuscular depending on the ambient temperatures. They are generally reclusive and shy.
See more at Wikipedia.org...

(n.)
Same as Testudo, 2.
  

(n.)
having a color like that of a tortoise's shell, black with white and orange spots; -- used mostly to describe cats of that color.
  

(n.)
Any one of numerous species of reptiles of the order Testudinata.
  

(n.)
a tortoise-shell cat.
  

Tortoise In China, a favorite symbol, and Confucius regarded it as sacred; in India the same veneration is given to it, for in one of the preceding manvantaras Vishnu is said in the Puranas to have taken the form of a tortoise to uphold the earth and its beings; his second avatara is called the Tortoise or Kurma avatara.
The Satapatha-Brahmana tells of the collective creator, Prajapati, taking the form of a tortoise to create offspring, and it states that the name of one of the celebrated rishis, Kasyapa, means a tortoise. Also in Hindu astronomy the tortoise is prominent, for the host of stars and constellations are regarded as being placed on a rotating belt in the figure of a sisumara or tortoise.

Kinixys belliana

General info:
Bell's hingeback tortoises are so named for the "hinge" on their shell that allows them more flexibility. Tortoises can be long-lived pets if maintained properly. It is estimated that their lifespan can reach upwards of 50 years.
Size:
Adult's shell length can reach a 8" diameter.
Temperature/Humidity:
Ideal daytime temperature for Bell’s hingeback tortoises should range between 75º and 80º. Additionally, a basking area should maintain a local temperature of 95º to 100º. Night time temperature should remain between 65º and 75º. The humidity for these tortoises should be kept at or near 55%.
Lighting:
All tortoises require ultraviolet lighting to maintain good health and shell structure. Ultraviolet lighting is recommended for 12 hours per day. The use of a timer will help to maintain an accurate lighting schedule.
Feeding/Watering:
Bell's hingeback tortoises are omnivorous (eat both plant and animal matter). Therefore their diet should include vegetables and fruit plus insects and prepared foods (such as canned low fat dog and canned turtle food). A good rule of thumb for feeding tortoises is 80%-90% plant matter and 10%-20% animal matter. Suggested foods: romaine green leaf lettuce, green peppers, tomatoes, cooked sweet potatoes, squash, cauliflower, thawed frozen mixed vegetables, berries, cherries, bananas, plums, earthworms, crickets, mealworms, and superworms. When feeding fruits & vegetables, use five vegetables to every fruit per meal. Red fruits are great for shy eaters as are naturally attracted to the color red. Feeding tortoises every other day is suggested as well as dusting food with vitamin/calcium powder every other feeding. Always remove food four hours after it is offered to prevent spoilage. A shallow water dish is recommended to allow the tortoise to soak without the risk of drowning. Make sure that the water dish is easy to enter and exit, and changed daily.
Habitat/Housing:
Individual tortoises can be maintained in a 40 to 55 gallon aquarium. A screen lid is essential for proper air exchange. For multiple pets, increase habitat size accordingly to ensure each tortoise has plenty of space to move about and not interfere with tankmates. An undertank heater should be placed on the same end of the tank used for basking. A shelter for hiding is necessary, especially if multiple pets are in the same enclosure. Misting the habitat once daily will help maintain proper humidity levels.
Substrate (Bedding):
2" to 3" inches of Bed-A-Beast, is recommended for tortoise terrariums to encourage their natural burrowing instinct. The substrate should be kept moist, but changed regularly to avoid bacterial growth.