[8] They are one of the smallest turtle species weighing from 90 to 150 grams[9] and can be recognized for its black markings among the plastron while its carapace resembles a leaf.

[6] In captivity, this species may feed on small invertebrates and meats but prefer live prey such as earthworms, crickets, slugs and pill bugs.

[14] Sexual dimorphism plastral kinesis is present in mature G. spengleri where females have a flexible connection between carapace and hypoplastron whereas males have a bony structure.

[6] G. spengleri 's known predators consist of anthropogenic causes, wild boar, hunting dogs and civets.

[7][10] Through locality samples from the three Chinese provinces Guangdong, Guangxi, and Hainan, the G. spengleri is found to be one of the surviving species due to its secretive terrestrial mode of life and small size.

A large quantity of these turtles are being sold in markets of Guangdong, Guanxi and Hainan provinces in China and Hong Kong causing a decline of about 70% in G. spengleri populations.