Rejection
Sorry buddy, no means no! This male box turtle was attempting to mate with this female, but she thwarted his efforts by retreating into her shell (she was already in her shell when I encountered them). If the female was carrying eggs, they were probably already fertilized which is a possible reason for the rejection. Female box turtles can store sperm for months or even years, but I am not sure if they do so when their current clutch is already fertilized. Maybe one of you can help answer this question?? Shot with a 300mm lens. -MA
Rejection
Sorry buddy, no means no! This male box turtle was attempting to mate with this female, but she thwarted his efforts by retreating into her shell (she was already in her shell when I encountered them). If the female was carrying eggs, they were probably already fertilized which is a possible reason for the rejection. Female box turtles can store sperm for months or even years, but I am not sure if they do so when their current clutch is already fertilized. Maybe one of you can help answer this question?? Shot with a 300mm lens. -MA