Sex

Colombian sliders (Trachemys callirostris) exhibit a number of unique behaviours and adaptations during mating that are crucial to the success of the breeding process. We can learn more about their reproductive biology and behaviour by analysing these processes.

First, depending on environmental variables like temperature and food availability, Colombian sliders may attain sexual maturity at any age between three and five years old. During mating season—often in the warmer months when weather is favorable—males and females display varied behaviours and physiological changes.

Finally, when it's mating season, male Colombian sliders will go to great lengths to get a mate. To entice females, they may swim close to them, nudge or lightly bite their shells, and vibrate their front claws on the female's face or shell, among other mating behaviours. These actions are meant to show that you're ready to mate and to show that you're the boss among other men.

Thirdly, these courting displays are how females determine if a man is suitable for them. In response to a male's approaches, females may swim away, freeze, or show signs of interest of their own. Underwater copulation, which may continue anywhere from a few minutes to a few hours, usually follows mutual acceptance.

As a fourth point, when a male Colombian slider copulates, he mounts the female from behind and uses his front claws to clutch her shell. This arrangement, called the amplexus, allows the sperm to be transferred from the male's cloaca to the female's cloaca by making sure there is physical contact. Fertilising eggs and starting the reproductive cycle are both facilitated by mating.

Fifthly, oviposition is the process by which a female begins to internally grow eggs following copulation. During this phase, eggs grow and mature in the ovaries of the mother. Then, their shells are formed and the nutrients needed for the embryonic development of the egg yolk are accumulated.

Sixthly, when the eggs have finished developing, the mother will look for a good place to lay her eggs on the ground. They may cover long distances on land to get to the sandy or gravelly spots close to sources of water, where they use their hind legs to build nests. To safeguard their eggs from predators and environmental changes, females meticulously deposit and cover them throughout the nesting process.

Lastly, the seventh step is for the mother to go back to the water after depositing her eggs. Besides laying eggs, Colombian sliders usually don't do much in the way of parental care, instead depending on their natural surroundings to provide the best circumstances for the eggs to hatch.