41. Females tend to grow larger than males, and have a smaller tail and more convex plastron . 42. These make up the front half of the plastron and the hyoplastron contains the anterior bridge strut. 43. The plastron is less variable than the carapace and usually provides a good indication of the species. 44. The plastron is also very broad and is cream to yellow in color with sutures edged in black. 45. Pleurodiran turtles have 13 scutes on the plastron of the shell, whereas cryptodiran turtles only have 12. 46. The wood turtle's plastron ( ventral shell ) is yellowish in color and has dark patches. 47. The unique distinction of scarlet lancer tunic and dark blue plastron was retained in full dress until 1914. 48. Some TCM scientists argue that there is no difference between plastron and carapace ( back shell ) bone. 49. When a hatchling decides to leave the shell, it still has a small sac protruding from its plastron . 50. The bottom shell ( plastron ) is yellow, sometimes red, sometimes with dark markings in the center.
