The male and female then sink to the bottom of the lake or pond and mating then takes place. The nesting period occurs from late May to mid-July. The female on land, in sandy soil, prepares the nest. She will usually soften the soil by urination. The site is usually near water and in a convenient place where the sun can warm the eggs.
Temperature plays a major role in determining what sex the offspring are.
In temperatures between 77 and 25 degrees Celsius, male offspring will be produced. Females will result if the temperature ranges from 87 to 30.5 degrees Celsius. The temperature in which both females and males may be produced is from 84 to 29 degrees Celsius. The number of eggs that hatch per clutch, or batch can vary from 2 to 10 eggs. The eggs are about 1.25 inches in length.