four pairs of costal scutes. Around the edge of the shell are 12 pairs of marginal scutes. All these scutes are aligned so that for the most part the sutures between the bones are in the middle of the scutes above. At the anterior of the shell there may be a cervical scute (sometimes incorrectly called a nuchal scute); however, the presence or absence of this scute is highly variable, even within species.

On the plastron there are two gular scutes at the front, followed by a pair of pectorals, then abdominals, femorals, and lastly anals.