Tortoiseshell or
tortoise shell is a material produced from the shells of the larger species of
tortoise and
turtle, mainly the
hawksbill sea turtle, which is an endangered species largely because of its exploitation for the material. The large size, fine colour and unusual form of the hawksbill's
scutes make it especially suitable. The distinctive patterning is referred to in names such as the
tortoiseshell cat, several
breeds of guinea pig, and the common names of several species of the butterfly geni
Nymphalis and
Aglais, and some other uses.