Mating varies between turtle species, but the result is much the same. The act requires cooperation because of the difficulty their shells present. The two turtles entwine their tails together, place their vents together, and the male inserts his penis.  Britannica describes turtle courtship as a range from “a seemingly abusive interaction to a titillation routine that entices the female’s cooperation.” For instance, many male tortoises bite the female, immobilizing her so that she must mate. In contrast, sliders and cooters swim in front of the female they are trying to entice. They vibrate their front feet against her head in a kind of mating ritual. If she accepts, then mating occurs.