Above is a male painted turtle from the Macoun Marsh in Canada. Painted turtles are sexually mature at five years for males and eight years for
females. Both courtship and mating occurs in the water which is 16-24 ˚C. This
is usually in April and May. The courtship consists of the male facing the
female then slowly stroking her head with his long fore claws. If the female is
receptive, she strokes his forelimbs with hers. At times the male swims away,
and after more stroking, and swimming away the female sinks to the bottom, the
male mounts her and mates. (Courtship source: Toronto Zoo)
Above is a female turtle with smaller front claws than a male.
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