Males have elongated foreclaws. Based on related species, male and female Alabama red-bellied turtles probably reach sexual maturity at 4 and 6 years of age, respectively. Nesting of the Alabama red-bellied turtle occurs from May through July. Female turtles leave their aquatic environment and venture onto dry land to lay their eggs. A shallow nest is excavated in generally sandy soil where 4 to 9 eggs are deposited.
Hatchlings usually emerge during the summer.
However, when the turtles nest in late July, hatchlings may overwinter in the nest and emerge the following spring. Lifespan of the Alabama red-bellied turtle is not known at this time. Many turtles have the potential for long lives and a life span of 50 years or more could be expected for the Alabama red-bellied turtle. The Alabama red-bellied turtle was placed on the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service's Endangered Species List in 1987. The turtle is also protected under the Nongame Species Regulation by the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.