Mississippi Map turtles usually lay their eggs in June in open sand areas or in areas dominated by low shrubs. Clutch size ranges from 2-8 eggs with lager females laying larger clutches. The incubation period lasts from 60-82 days. Hatching begins when the young make one or two longitudinal slits in the shell using their caruncle or egg tooth. This tooth is lost within 3 weeks of hatching.
Hatchlings usually remain in the nest until the yolk sac is completely absorbed.
The sex of the Mississippi Map Turtle is determined by the incubation temperature at a certain critical point in development. Eggs incubated at 25 degrees Celsius or lower produce males. Behavior Nearly all observers are struck by the excessive shyness of the Mississippi Map Turtle. Although they have gregarious sunning habits, it is difficult to approach one while basking due to their shy nature. Habitat The Mississippi Map Turtle prefers water with abundant aquatic vegetation, places to bask in the sun, and slow currents.