Breeding the mississippi map turtle
Mates in the water in spring (mostly April-May). From June to July females come ashore to sandy beaches, field edges or open loose soil and dig a flask-shaped nest 9-15 cm deep. Mississippi map turtles lay only about 2-8 eggs per female; eggs hatch after about 2 months, in late summer or early autumn.
Step by step
Pair in a large tank.
Large aquarium with strong filter and basking dock.
Winter cooling.
About 2-8 eggs per female (Mississippi map subspecies; northern false map turtles lay 8-22); incubation about 2 months.
Hatchlings are fully independent: house them in shallow warm water with a basking spot and feed small pellets, worms and daphnia daily.
- Undersized tank and weak filtration
- No UV or basking heat (soft shells, poor growth)
- Releasing unwanted turtles into the wild
Male or female
Males are much smaller (shell 9-15 cm vs 15-27 cm) with long front claws and a long tail with the vent behind the shell rim; females are much larger.
Can I breed it in my tank?
- Good for a first breeding project.
Day-by-day plan
Typical for frogs, newts and turtles
- Day 0Eggs
Needs a special setup. Read the species guide first.
A general guide for this breeding type. Days change with temperature and species.
Simulator: guided
Needs a special setup. Read the species guide first.
Simulator: try it yourself
Set up a virtual breeding tank and see what would likely happen.
- Without live or frozen food the parents aren't in breeding condition.
An educational estimate from the breeding rules, not a promise.