The annual cycle of the Hermann's tortoise (Testudo hermanni hermanni) is entirely related to the outside temperature. It alternates peaks of activity in the offseason with two periods of inactivity: a relative one in summer at the time of aestivation and incubation and a total one in winter when the tortoise slows down its metabolism to hibernate. The air warming of spring marks the mating and laying season, while autumn is that of the juveniles' births and the preparation for hibernation.